By James
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Fresh concerns over the movement of illegal weapons in northern Nigeria have emerged after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force recovered 119 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition concealed near a graveyard in Gombe State.
The ammunition was discovered along Kalshingi Road in Kwadon, located in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, following intelligence reportedly received by officers of the Kwadon Police Division.
Police authorities said the suspicious items were hidden inside a white sack placed beneath a tree opposite a cemetery, raising fears that the weapons cache may have been intended for criminal operations or transfer to armed groups operating within the region.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the recovery was made after the Divisional Police Officer led a team of detectives to the scene at about 10:30 a.m. on May 19, 2026, following a tip-off from residents.
According to the police, a search conducted on the sack revealed 119 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition commonly used in AK-47 rifles. Officers also recovered two empty ammunition cartons, two bottles containing moringa seeds and a green bag suspected to have been used in transporting the items.
Security operatives immediately launched a sweep of nearby bushes and adjoining areas in search of suspects or possible collaborators, but no arrest had been made as of the time of filing this report.
The development has heightened anxiety over the circulation of illegal arms across parts of northern Nigeria where insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks have remained recurring threats in several communities.
Police authorities said surveillance had been intensified around the area while investigations continue to uncover those behind the concealed ammunition and determine its intended destination.
Commissioner of Police Bello Yahaya praised residents whose intelligence reportedly aided the recovery, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime and terrorism.
He urged citizens to remain alert and continue sharing credible information with security agencies to help prevent attacks and criminal activities across the state.
The latest recovery comes amid growing security crackdowns targeting illegal arms trafficking networks across the country.
Earlier this month, police operatives in Kano State arrested a suspected arms dealer during a sting operation in Dala Local Government Area, recovering three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons.
Security analysts say recent discoveries of hidden ammunition and illegal firearms underscore the persistent challenge facing Nigerian authorities as armed criminal groups continue to exploit porous routes and local supply chains to sustain violent operations.
