Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three men over alleged illegal possession and fabrication of firearms in Misau Local Government Area, while a separate suspect was detained in connection with the alleged rape of a 50-year-old woman in Gamawa Local Government Area.
The arrests were disclosed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement issued on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The police said the operations formed part of efforts to tackle illegal firearms and sexual offences across the state.
Three Arrested Over Alleged Locally Made Firearm
According to the police, operatives attached to the Misau Division intercepted 30-year-old Abubakar Ahmad, also known as Tino, on September 25.
Ahmad, who is from Makara Huta Quarters in Misau, was allegedly found carrying a locally fabricated pistol loaded with a live cartridge.
The police said preliminary investigation indicated that Ahmad was allegedly taking the firearm to Tijjani Yakubu, 35, who is from the same area.
Yakubu was already being held at a correctional centre over allegations involving criminal conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property.
During questioning, police said Yakubu allegedly admitted that the pistol belonged to him and that he had given it to Ahmad for safekeeping.
The police further said Yakubu identified 48-year-old Bappah Kawu, a welder from Tashar Masu in Misau, as the person from whom he allegedly obtained the firearm.
Police Recover Two Dane Guns From Workshop
Following the information provided during the investigation, detectives arrested Kawu.
According to the police account, Kawu allegedly admitted fabricating and selling the pistol to Yakubu for N30,000.
Police subsequently searched his workshop and reportedly recovered two locally fabricated Dane guns.
Investigators also recovered materials they said were suspected to have been used in firearm production, including a hacksaw, files and long iron pipes.
The three suspects remain in police custody, while the command said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and the suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
Suspect Arrested Over Alleged Rape in Gamawa
In a separate case, police arrested 26-year-old Lukman Alhaji Nasiru of Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area, over an allegation involving a 50-year-old woman.
The police said the woman’s younger brother reported the matter at the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters on September 25.
According to the police account, Nasiru allegedly took the woman to the outskirts of Garin Malam on September 22, where he allegedly had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
Following the complaint, police arrested Nasiru and took both him and the woman to General Hospital, Gamawa, for medical examination.
The command said investigation into the allegation was ongoing as of the time of its statement.
Weng Global is not independently establishing the allegation as fact, and no court finding against the suspect has been reported in the available information.
Police Warn Against Illegal Firearms and Sexual Offences
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, warned that the command would not tolerate the illegal possession or fabrication of firearms or sexual offences.
He also urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and protecting communities.
The arrests come amid continuing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to address the circulation of locally fabricated firearms, which can contribute to a range of violent crimes.
In June 2026, for example, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command announced the arrest of two suspected gang leaders following the discovery of an alleged illegal firearm manufacturing operation in Okobo Local Government Area. Channels Television reported that police recovered locally fabricated firearms, firearm components and tools during that operation.
Why the Bauchi Cases Matter
The Bauchi arrests highlight two separate law-enforcement concerns: the alleged production and possession of illicit firearms and the investigation of sexual offences.
Locally fabricated weapons can be difficult to regulate once they enter criminal networks, making investigations into their production and distribution an important part of efforts to reduce access to illegal arms.
The second investigation also demonstrates the importance of prompt reporting and proper medical and investigative procedures when allegations of sexual violence are made.
In the Gamawa case, the police said medical examinations were conducted following the suspect’s arrest. The outcome of the examination and subsequent investigation had not been disclosed in the available report.
What Happens Next
The firearm-related case has been transferred to the Bauchi State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, according to the police.
Investigators are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged manufacture, sale and possession of the firearm and determine whether additional individuals were involved.
The alleged rape case also remains under investigation.
Any prosecution or subsequent court proceedings would provide an opportunity for evidence surrounding the allegations to be tested judicially.
For now, the Bauchi Police Command has confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations are continuing.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
- Bauchi State Police Command, statement issued through the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib.
- Prompt News Online, report on the Bauchi arrests, September 26, 2026.
- Channels Television, report on an illegal firearm manufacturing operation in Akwa Ibom, June 2026.
