DSS ARRESTS SUSPECTED AMMUNITION COURIER LINKED TO BANDITS’ NETWORK

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a 25-year-old woman, Nafisa Usman, for allegedly supplying ammunition to bandits operating in parts of northern Nigeria. Security sources disclosed that the suspect was intercepted at a major motor park in Kano while attempting to transport 200 rounds of newly acquired ammunition. The consignment was reportedly moved from Lafia in Nasarawa State and was destined for Kankara in Katsina State.

According to the sources, the arrest followed credible intelligence that tracked the suspect’s movements and activities across the route. Investigators revealed that Usman, a native of Zango village in Kankara Local Government Area, was intercepted before she could deliver the ammunition allegedly meant for bandits operating within the Kankara forest axis.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that she had been involved in the illegal arms supply trade for about two months. She allegedly stated that the ammunition was handed to her by an individual identified as “Teso,” who she claimed works in collaboration with a military operative based in Lafia. Further revelations indicated that the suspect admitted facilitating deals worth over ₦5 million, using Unguwa Uku motor park in Kano as a transit point for transporting ammunition to Katsina State.

Security sources added that the supplies were intended for a bandit leader known as Mallam Haruna, believed to be active around the Kankara axis. She also reportedly disclosed supplying ammunition to two other individuals identified as Buba and Abu, who operate within the same forest region. Usman further told investigators that she was introduced to the alleged criminal network by a Kano-based livestock trader identified as Sulaiman.

Security officials say the operation highlights the continued efforts of the DSS to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt illegal arms supply chains, and strengthen national security across affected regions.