DSS intercepts arms consignment smuggled from Niger Republic into Sokoto

The Department of State Services, DSS, has intercepted a consignment of weapons and ammunition allegedly smuggled into Nigeria from the Niger Republic through Sokoto State.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development on X, saying the operation took place on Tuesday, November 10, at Dawakawa in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The intercepted consignment comprised 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns, and 825 magazines. The weapons were reportedly transported on camels through remote routes and difficult terrain in an attempt to evade security surveillance.

According to the report, the operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance of suspected terrorist networks involved in arms trafficking.

The interception was part of efforts to disrupt the movement of illegal weapons into the country and track those involved in supplying arms to suspected armed groups.

Days earlier, DSS operatives arrested a suspected female arms courier, Hafsat Umar, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Umar was allegedly found with 12 grenades and two ammunition belts. She was suspected of sourcing ammunition for delivery to a suspected bandit leader, Saidu Marafa, in Kani Kawa, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A security source said Umar would be charged to court.

“Like the others before her, Hafsat Umar will also be charged to court, and the DSS will use intelligence at their disposal to bring other criminals to justice,” the source said.

The report also said the DSS had arrested several suspected female arms couriers in different states, including Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau, between 2025 and 2026.