Police recover N129bn counterfeit currencies, arrest 3 gunrunners

The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have recovered the sum of N129,542,823,000 in counterfeit currencies, with a breakdown of 3,366,000 in counterfeit U.S. dollars, 51,970 in CFA franc, and 1,443,000 in counterfeit naira.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Adejobi said the counterfeit currencies were recovered at Gwale in Kano State on Sunday, December 8, when police operatives acting on credible intelligence accosted one Nura Ibrahim and upon a conducted search, discovered N392,000 counterfeit notes, $7,800 counterfeit notes, and five ATM cards.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of his accomplices, Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi as well as the recovery of the other counterfeit currencies,” he stated.

Adejobi added that police operatives, while intensifying efforts against gunrunning and the proliferation of arms in the country, arrested three suspected gunrunners identified as Buhari Suleiman, Jamil Yakubu, and Aliyu Abdullahi along the Kaduna-Kano expressway in Kaduna State on Monday, December 9.

The police spokesman stated: “The suspects were apprehended after the police operatives noticed their suspicious activities and approached them to question them.

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“A subsequent search was conducted, which led to the recovery of 216 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and 1 round of Ak-47 ammunition.”

Adejobi disclosed that police operatives also rescued 36 kidnapped victims along the Mairairai/Bena Road in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Sunday, December 8.

“As a follow-up to the rescue, police operatives have visited the community to engage its members, debrief the rescued victims, and assure the people of its continuous readiness to ensure their safety and security,” Adejobi said.

He quoted the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, as reiterating the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combatting all forms of crime and criminality, especially economic saboteurs, in the country.

“The force remains vigilant, steadfast, and unforgiving towards those who would threaten the national security and economic progress of our dear country,” the police spokesperson added.

The Star