RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly intercepted a large consignment of weapons allegedly smuggled into Nigeria from the Niger Republic, recovering 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines in Sokoto State.
The operation took place on Tuesday, November 10, at Dawakawa in Goronyo Local Government Area, following intelligence gathering and surveillance of suspected cross-border arms-trafficking networks.
Security sources said the suspected traffickers used camels to transport the weapons through remote routes in an attempt to evade detection.
The interception was reportedly part of ongoing operations to prevent illegal weapons from reaching armed criminal groups operating in northwestern Nigeria.
However, the identities of those responsible for the shipment and its intended recipients have not been conclusively established.
In a related development, DSS operatives arrested a suspected female arms courier, Hafsat Umar, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources alleged that Umar was found with 12 grenades and two ammunition belts.
Investigators reportedly suspected that she had travelled to Niger State to obtain ammunition intended for delivery to an alleged bandit leader, Saidu Marafa, based in Kani Kawa, Maradun Local Government Area.
According to the reports, Umar’s arrest brings to 14 the number of women apprehended over suspected involvement in illegal arms trafficking between February 2025 and November 2026.
The arrests were recorded across Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau states.
Among the previous cases was the arrest of Aisha Mohammed in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in October.
Operatives reportedly recovered 202 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and three empty magazines from her.
In September, two other women were arrested in Ebonyi State over allegations of supplying weapons and explosives to suspected commanders of the outlawed Eastern Security Network.
Security sources also disclosed that the DSS had secured convictions in separate terrorism-related cases involving female arms couriers.
The agency is reportedly continuing investigations to identify individuals involved in the supply, transportation and distribution of illegal weapons.
A security source indicated that Umar would be prosecuted and that intelligence-led operations would continue against suspected arms-trafficking networks.
The latest interception highlights continuing security concerns over illegal weapons entering Nigeria through its borders.
Authorities are expected to pursue further investigations to establish the origins of the consignment, its intended destination and the individuals responsible.
All suspects yet to be convicted remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.
