The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended a suspected arms courier in Kano State who was allegedly transferring guns for delivery to a prominent bandit commander operating in Zamfara.
According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, the suspect was captured on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area after receiving actionable intelligence.
According to the report, the suspect was apprehended while transporting a cache of rifles and ammunition from Jigawa’s Maigatari Local Government Area to Funtua, Katsina State, for distribution to criminal groups.
“Items recovered from the suspect include three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes and warheads, as well as two empty magazines.”
The report revealed that preliminary investigations linked the consignment to a suspected bandit kingpin believed to be operating in parts of Zamfara.
“The suspect confessed that he was contracted to transport the weapons from Maigatari to Funtua and was promised a payment of N450,000 upon successful delivery.
“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the network behind the arms movement and identify other collaborators involved in the operation,” the report said.
According to the report, the arrest represents a significant step forward in ongoing operations to block the supply of weaponry and ammunition to criminal groups responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings, and other security risks in the North-West.
It further stated that the suspect was in DSS custody and would face additional investigation and possibly prosecution in accordance with the law.
According to the report, security forces have continued to step up intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling logistics networks that support banditry, terrorism, and other kinds of organized crime across the country.
