DSS intercepts arms consignment smuggled from Niger Republic into Sokoto
The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a shipment of weapons and ammunition allegedly smuggled into Nigeria from Niger Republic via Sokoto State.
The seizure occurred on November 10 during an operation in Dawakawa, located in the Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported the details on the social media platform X.
The consignment included 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns, and 825 magazines. The weapons were reportedly transported on camels through remote routes in an effort to avoid detection by security forces.
The interception was part of a broader strategy to disrupt the flow of illegal arms into Nigeria and to track individuals involved in supplying weapons to armed groups. This operation followed intelligence gathering targeting suspected terrorist networks engaged in arms trafficking.
In a separate incident, DSS operatives apprehended a suspected arms courier, Hafsat Umar, in the Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Authorities found her in possession of 12 grenades and two ammunition belts. She is suspected of sourcing ammunition for delivery to Saidu Marafa, a suspected bandit leader in the Kani Kawa area of Maradun Local Government Area.
A security source indicated that Umar will face charges in court. “As with others before her, Hafsat Umar will also be charged, and the DSS will utilize its intelligence to pursue additional criminals,” the source stated.
Reports indicate that the DSS has detained several suspected female arms couriers in various states, including Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna, and Plateau, from 2025 to 2026.
