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DSS intercepts 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines allegedly smuggled from Niger Republic through Sokoto State.
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Suspected traffickers reportedly used camels to transport the weapons through remote border routes to evade security surveillance.
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Service records 14 arrests of suspected female arms couriers across six states between February 2025 and November 2026, recovering ammunition, grenades and explosives.
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Suspects allegedly linked to weapons supply networks serving bandits and commanders of the outlawed Eastern Security Network, as three female couriers receive 20-year jail sentences.
November 11, (THEWILL) – The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a major consignment of high-calibre weapons and ammunition allegedly smuggled into Nigeria from the Niger Republic, raising fresh concerns over illegal arms trafficking and the supply networks sustaining armed groups across the country.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, November 10, at Dawakawa in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, resulted in the recovery of 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines.
Security sources disclosed that the interception followed intelligence-led surveillance of suspected cross-border arms trafficking networks allegedly attempting to move the weapons into Nigeria for distribution to armed groups operating in the North-West.
The suspected traffickers reportedly deployed camels to transport the consignment through remote routes and difficult terrain along the Nigeria-Niger Republic border in an attempt to evade security surveillance.
The weapons were suspected to have been destined for armed groups operating in the North-West, where banditry, kidnapping, mass abductions and attacks on communities have continued to pose serious security challenges.
A security source said the interception was part of intensified efforts by the Service to disrupt illegal arms supply networks and prevent weapons from reaching terrorist groups, bandits and other criminal organisations.
The source also disclosed that suspected trafficking networks had increasingly resorted to using women and beasts of burden, particularly camels, to transport illegal weapons following sustained security operations and previous interceptions.
DSS Tracks Female Arms Couriers Across Six States
The Sokoto interception comes amid a series of arrests involving suspected female arms couriers across the country.
According to security sources, the DSS arrested 14 female suspected arms couriers between February 2025 and November 2026 in operations spanning Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau states.
Earlier in the week, operatives arrested Hafsat Umar in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, recovering 12 grenades and two ammunition belts from her.
Intelligence findings allegedly indicated that Umar had travelled to Niger State to source ammunition for delivery to a notorious bandit leader, Saidu Marafa, said to operate from Kani Kawa in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Another notable arrest was that of Aisha Mohammed, who was apprehended last month in Keffi, Nasarawa State, while allegedly conveying arms and ammunition through a suspected arms dealer and kidnapper identified simply as Sani.
Operatives reportedly recovered 202 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition and three empty AK-47 magazines from her.
In September 2026, two suspected female couriers, Chika Aguzie and Blessing Nwamba, were arrested at separate locations in Ebonyi State over their alleged involvement in supplying weapons and explosives to commanders of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The suspected recipients were identified as Chinonso Amobi Okafor, also known as Temple, and another commander identified as B44, both reportedly operating from Anambra State.
Fourteen wraps of improvised explosive device detonators were recovered during the operations.
In August, the Service arrested Rabiatu Halidu along Abacha Road in Katu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, with 501 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Similarly, Aisha Ibrahim was arrested in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State in February with 975 rounds of ammunition.
Earlier in January, two suspected couriers, Sakina Muhammad and Badariyya Abubakar, were arrested along the Wukari-Jalingo Road in Taraba State.
The operatives reportedly recovered one AK-47 rifle, 984 rounds of special ammunition, 105 rounds of general-purpose machine gun ammunition and 14 empty AK-47 magazines.
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The DSS also recorded several arrests involving suspected female arms couriers in 2025.
Among them was Rahane Sanusi, who was arrested in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State while allegedly transporting ammunition from an illegal arms dealer in Sokoto State to a notorious bandit identified as Ibrahim Bare, also known as Baba, in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Other suspects arrested during the period included Suwaiba Abubakar, Halima Umar, Firdausi Haruna, Saidya Ibrahim and Fatima Sani.
Various quantities of arms and ammunition were reportedly recovered during the separate operations.
Court Sentences Three Female Couriers To 20 Years
Some women arrested by the DSS over alleged involvement in terrorism-related arms trafficking have also been prosecuted and convicted.
Earlier in 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted three female couriers identified as Halima Abdullahi, Safiya Salihu and Halima Umar in terrorism-related cases.
They were each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment following their arraignment by the DSS.
A security source said Hafsat Umar, who was recently arrested in Zamfara State, would also 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.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to tackling illegal arms trafficking, the source said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations to identify and apprehend those involved in the trade.
“The DSS will continue to leverage actionable intelligence and sustained tactical operations to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the illegal arms trade and bring them to justice”, the source added.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
