DSS Foils Arms Delivery Operation, Seizes Rifles, RPG Tubes in Kano

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected arms courier in Kano State and recovered a cache of weapons believed to have been destined for criminal elements operating in Nigeria’s North-West region.

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area following an intelligence-led operation by DSS operatives. Security sources disclosed that the arrest was made after authorities received information about the movement of illegal weapons through the state.

According to security officials, the recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, four Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, and two magazines. Investigators believe the weapons were being transported to armed groups operating in the region.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly collected the weapons from the Maigatari axis of Jigawa State and was en route to deliver them to contacts in either Katsina or Zamfara State when he was intercepted by security operatives. Authorities say the operation prevented the weapons from reaching criminal networks linked to banditry and violent attacks across the North-West.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he was promised a payment of N450,000 upon successful delivery of the weapons. He is currently in DSS custody while investigations continue to uncover other members of the suspected arms trafficking network.

The DSS said the operation highlights the importance of intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration in disrupting illegal arms supply chains and combating insecurity across the country. The agency added that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the smuggling operation.

Meanwhile, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has commended the DSS for the successful operation, describing it as a significant step in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes threatening communities in northern Nigeria.