Gunrunner supplying Bello Turji, other notorious bandits weapons arrested

• Makama said Suruddubu does not only traffic firearms but also supply criminals in the region with foodstuffs and motorcycles.

One Hamza Suruddubu, a notorious gunrunner, has been apprehended by security operatives in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

He is said to be the main supplier of weapons to the armed non-state actors terrorising the northern region.

Security analyst and counter insurgency expert in Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama, disclosed his arrest on Thursday.

Makama said Suruddubu does not only traffic firearms but also supply criminals in the region with foodstuffs and motorcycles.

According to him, Suruddubu is a key “supplier of arms to notorious bandits like Bello Turji, Boka, and Halilu Buzu.”

He said: “Suruddubu, an arms dealer from Eastern Sokoto, has long been involved in the trafficking and distribution of weapons from Zamfara State to terrorist strongholds in Eastern Sokoto.

“Investigations indicate that Suruddubu not only supplies weapons but also facilitates the provision of essential supplies, including foodstuffs and motorcycles, for criminal groups operating in the region.”

He disclosed that some security operatives within Shinkafi and Isa local government areas may be complicit in the illegal arms trade.