DSS Intercepts Arms Shipment From Niger Republic, Recovers 21 AK-47 Rifles, Four Machine Guns In Sokoto
The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a suspected cross-border arms shipment allegedly destined for armed bandits operating in North-West Nigeria.
The operation, carried out on 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.
The suspected smugglers reportedly transported the weapons from Niger Republic using camels through remote border routes in an attempt to evade security surveillance.
The successful interception is believed to have disrupted a weapons supply network allegedly supporting bandit activities across the North-West region.
Security operatives are expected to intensify investigations to identify and apprehend those behind the operation, including the suppliers, transporters, financiers and intended recipients of the recovered weapons.
Some of the identified vulnerable trafficking corridors include Illela, Sabon Birni, Isa, Gudu and Tangaza in Sokoto State; Jibia, Kaita, Mai’Adua and Kongolam in Katsina State; Zurmi and Shinkafi in Zamfara State; as well as Kamba and Arewa Dandi in Kebbi State.
Porous borders, informal trading networks and difficult terrain have continued to create opportunities for criminal groups, including bandits, Lakurawa and Boko Haram elements, to move weapons and carry out other illegal activities.
The development underscores the need for stronger border monitoring, intelligence-sharing and coordinated security operations to dismantle arms trafficking networks.
Security agencies have also been urged to focus on tracking the financiers and major suppliers behind illegal weapons networks rather than concentrating solely on the couriers.
