The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a major weapons consignment allegedly smuggled from Niger Republic to armed bandits in North-West Nigeria.
The operation, conducted on November 10 at Dawakawa, Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State, led to the recovery of 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines. The suspected smugglers reportedly used camels to transport the weapons through remote border routes to evade security surveillance.
The interception is believed to have disrupted a cross-border arms supply network supporting bandit operations in the North-West. Security agencies are expected to use the recovered weapons to trace the suppliers, transporters, financiers and intended recipients.
Vulnerable trafficking corridors include Illela, Sabon Birni, Isa, Gudu and Tangaza in Sokoto; Jibia, Kaita, Mai’Adua and Kongolam in Katsina; Zurmi and Shinkafi in Zamfara; as well as Kamba and Arewa Dandi in Kebbi.
Porous borders, informal trading networks and difficult terrain reportedly provide opportunities for criminal groups, including bandits, Lakurawa and Boko Haram, to move weapons and conduct other illicit activities.
The development highlights the need for stronger border surveillance, intelligence-sharing and coordinated operations, with security agencies urged to target the financiers and suppliers behind arms trafficking networks, not just the couriers.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
