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 by Sokoto State.

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

The intercepted consignment comprised 21 AK-47 rifles, 4 PKT machine weapons, and 825 magazines. The weapons had been reportedly transported on camels by distant routes and troublesome terrain in an try and evade safety surveillance.

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

The interception was a part of efforts to disrupt the motion of unlawful weapons into the nation and monitor these concerned in supplying arms to suspected armed teams.

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

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

A safety supply stated Umar could be charged to courtroom.

“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 supply stated.

The report additionally stated the DSS had arrested a number of suspected feminine arms couriers in several states, together with Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau, between 2025 and 2026.