The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old woman identified as Fatima Salisu for allegedly smuggling a large cache of ammunition across state lines.

Salisu, a native of Funtua in Katsina State, was apprehended in the Azuba area of Lafia following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to a statement released on Thursday by the Command's spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, the operation was ordered by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima J. Mohammed, after receiving credible intelligence about the suspect's activities.

During the arrest, police recovered a significant cache of ammunition from the suspect, including 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, which were reportedly concealed in her possession.

Investigations revealed that Salisu was allegedly attempting to transport the ammunition through Keana and Doma Local Government Areas with the ultimate destination being criminal groups in Katsina State.

"This arrest is a major milestone in our efforts to disrupt the illegal flow of weapons fueling insecurity in the country," Nansel stated in the release.

The suspect is currently in police custody undergoing intensive interrogation as investigators work to unravel the full extent of the arms trafficking network and its possible connections to armed banditry and terrorism in the region.

The Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely and accurate information to aid their operations.

This arrest comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition across Nigeria, which security experts have linked to the rise in banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in various parts of the country.