Following the ongoing operations to disrupt arms supply chains linked to banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, a Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a gunrunner, Halima Haliru Umar to 20 years imprisonment for attempting to supply ammunition to bandits in Plateau State.
Halima was convicted after she pleaded guilty to two counts of terrorism-related offences brought by the Department of State Services, DSS.
The court presided by Justice Hauwa Yilwa heard that DSS operatives arrested Halima in Plateau State on 7th July 2025 with 302 rounds of 7.6x39mm AK-47 live ammunition. Prosecutors said she was transporting the ammunition to a bandit leader when intercepted.
Halima, 32, of Unguwan Boka in Faskari LGA, Katsina State, admitted to attempting to render material support for terrorism and to illegal possession of the ammunition. She was charged under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and the Firearms Act 2004.
Delivering judgment, Justice Yilwa noted the gravity of terrorism offences but also acknowledged Halima’s plea for mercy. She sentenced her to 20 years on count three and 1 year on count four, to run concurrently from the date of arrest.
The court also ordered that after serving her term, Halima be transferred to a deradicalisation facility before reintegration into society. Trial on the remaining two counts, to which she pleaded not guilty, was adjourned to 9th July.
