By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has secured the conviction of two wanted suspects, Yau Sule and Mariya Sule, for unlawful possession of ammunition and their alleged involvement in supplying ammunition to kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within the North-Central region and the FCT.

According to the Command, the suspects were arrested following an intelligence-driven operation carried out on June 2, 2026. Yau Sule was apprehended while travelling along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. During the operation, police operatives recovered 81 rounds of 7.62mm live AK-47 ammunition and 100 rounds of 7.62mm belted ammunition intended for a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).

Further investigations led to the arrest of his sister, Mariya Sule, who was also linked to the ammunition supply network.

The suspects were subsequently arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1, Dutse-Alhaji, Abuja, in Charge No. CR/DUT/1132/2026. The court found them guilty of unlawful possession of live ammunition in violation of the Firearms Act.

In separate warrants issued on August 24, 2026, the court sentenced both Yau Sule and Mariya Sule to 250 days’ imprisonment each without the option of a fine. The sentences are to be served at the Suleja Correctional Centre.

The FCT Police Command described the convictions as a significant step in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt the flow of illegal arms and ammunition to kidnappers and other violent offenders.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states through intelligence-led policing and sustained operations against criminal syndicates.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency response lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883.