By Anamati Inyang, 16 November 2025
The Department of State Services has recorded another major breakthrough in its counterterrorism operations with the arrest of a suspected top-level arms manufacturer and supplier, Musa Abubakar, believed to be a central figure in the supply chain of weapons used by violent armed groups across Plateau State and other parts of northern Nigeria.
Abubakar was arrested on 12 November 2025 following precise intelligence that exposed his role in producing and distributing high caliber weapons and ammunition to terror networks responsible for recurring attacks in the region.
According to a senior DSS source, the suspect has already confessed to manufacturing and supplying sophisticated weapons to armed groups that have carried out deadly assaults in Plateau State and surrounding northern communities.
DSS operatives reportedly launched a targeted raid on his secret workshop located in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area. During the operation, Abubakar was found with various components of Improvised Explosive Devices, chemicals, machines, tools, and other materials used for arms fabrication. All items were immediately seized.
The arrest comes just days after the DSS re apprehended Abdulazeez Obadaki, popularly known as Bomboy, a notorious Kuje Prison escapee linked to the Owo and Deeper Life Church attacks. Security analysts say these consecutive successes signal a renewed and aggressive push by the Agency to dismantle terror cells and their supply routes.
Recent intelligence driven operations by the DSS have led to the capture of at least nine high profile suspects involved in attacks across Plateau and Benue States. Among them is Timna Manjol, 46, of First Baptist Church, Mangu LGA, who has already pleaded guilty to two out of four count charges including illegal possession of firearms in a case marked FHC ABJ CR 451 2025.
Security experts describe the latest arrest as a major blow to armed groups operating in the Middle Belt, noting that eliminating weapons suppliers is crucial in weakening their operational capability.
The DSS continues to reassure the public of its commitment to preventing further bloodshed, strengthening national security, and ensuring that masterminds and enablers of violence are brought to justice.
