Court Sentences Female Arms Supplier to Death for Aiding Katsina Bandits

A Federal High Court sitting in Katsina State has sentenced a woman, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, to death by hanging after finding her guilty of terrorism-related offences linked to the supply of ammunition to armed bandits operating in north-western Nigeria.

The conviction followed a prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accused the defendant of conspiring with terrorist groups and aiding their operations through the illegal transportation of ammunition.

According to security sources, DSS operatives arrested Mukhtar on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State while she was allegedly attempting to deliver 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to a notorious bandit leader identified as Ado.

Authorities said the bandit commander operates within the notorious Dumburum Forest axis of Zamfara State, an area long associated with armed criminal activities, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities.

The DSS subsequently filed a two-count charge against the defendant under Suit No. KTH/65C/2023.

During the trial, prosecutors presented witnesses, documentary evidence and physical exhibits linking Mukhtar to the alleged offences.

After reviewing the evidence before the court, the presiding judge, Justice A.B. Bawale, ruled that the prosecution had successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found the defendant guilty on both counts relating to conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding terrorist activities.

Justice Bawale subsequently sentenced Mukhtar to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.

The judgment is being viewed as one of the most significant terrorism-related convictions secured in the state in recent years.

Security officials described the ruling as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the logistical networks that sustain banditry and terrorism across the North-West.

According to security sources, the case demonstrates that authorities are not only targeting armed groups in the forests but also pursuing individuals who provide weapons, ammunition and other forms of support to criminal organisations.

The conviction comes amid intensified security operations across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and neighbouring states, where security agencies continue efforts to disrupt bandit networks and cut off their supply chains.