KEY POINTS

• Hauwa’u Mukhtar was arrested by the DSS in Katsina State while allegedly transporting 438 rounds of ammunition to a bandit leader in Zamfara State.
• The Katsina High Court found her guilty of conspiracy and aiding terrorism after reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution.
• She was sentenced to death by hanging under the state’s Penal Code Law as part of ongoing anti-terrorism prosecutions in Nigeria.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a woman identified as Hauwa’u Mukhtar at the Jibia motor park in Katsina State after she was allegedly caught attempting to move a large cache of ammunition.

Security sources, as reported by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, said she was intercepted while transporting 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The consignment was reportedly destined for a notorious bandit leader identified as Ado, who operates within the Dunburum forest area of Zamfara State.

Charges Filed by DSS

Following her arrest, the DSS arraigned Mukhtar before the High Court in Katsina State on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit terrorism, aiding terrorism, and abetting terrorist activities.

The prosecution alleged that her role as an ammunition courier directly supported armed bandit operations in the North-West, where attacks on civilians and security forces have remained persistent.

The case was heard by Justice A. B. Bawale at the Katsina High Court. During the trial, the prosecution presented witness testimonies, physical exhibits, and other documentary evidence linking Mukhtar to the attempted delivery of ammunition.

After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsel, the court held that the evidence presented established the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Delivering judgment, Justice Bawale ruled that Mukhtar was guilty of conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding terrorist activities under the Penal Code Law of Katsina State (2021).

She was consequently sentenced to death by hanging in accordance with the law.

The conviction comes amid intensified prosecutions of terrorism-related offences across Nigeria. In recent months, courts have continued to hand down sentences to individuals linked to major attacks, including those connected to the June 5, 2022 assault on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Authorities say such convictions are part of broader efforts to dismantle logistics and support networks sustaining armed groups across the country.