Mato, arrested alongside four, disclosed that he got his first ammunition after a repelled attack by some Boko Haram members in his community in 2015.
According to him, “My name is Taimako Mato. I am 38 years old. I am from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. I got this gun after some Boko Haram (members) attacked my community two days after the 2015 elections but the youth and security agents chased them which forced them to leave their vehicle.
“The youths decided to burn their vehicle so I searched the vehicle before it was burned and carted a bag containing the gun and some ammunition. I took this bag because it was what I could pick before the vehicle was burnt.”
Mato noted that he decided to sell ammunition “because of family challenges. I know that it is criminal to possess prohibited firearms but I do not intend to be a criminal.”
He advised any individuals who might consider starting a gun-running business and those already in the trade to reconsider their decision.
“I am advising those who have not gone into this business and those who are into it to stop because the business appears lucrative outside but when you start it, you will realise it is not.
“You will just be suffering in it and be punished by the law. My advice for criminals is to come and surrender their weapons,” he said.
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