DSS Operatives Arrest Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

DSS operatives have arrested a 30-year-old suspected gun courier in Kano State, intercepting arms reportedly being transported to Katsina in an intelligence-led operation.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected arms courier, Muhammad Abubakar, in Kano State for allegedly transporting firearms and ammunition across northern Nigeria.

The suspect, a 30-year-old transporter, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area following an intelligence-led operation conducted by DSS operatives.

He was later paraded at the DSS State Command headquarters in Kano on Friday, where security officials displayed the weapons allegedly recovered from him.

According to the DSS, Abubakar was intercepted while conveying a cache of arms, including four RPG tubes, three AK-47 rifles, and two empty magazines, to a destination in Funtua, Katsina State.

The agency explained that the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal arms trafficking networks fueling insecurity in parts of the country.

“He was arrested in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State following an intelligence tip-off,” the DSS said in a statement.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect allegedly collected the weapons from an individual identified only as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State.

He reportedly confessed that his assignment was to deliver the items to a designated recipient in an insecurity-prone area of Katsina State.

“The suspect confessed that he was to be paid ₦450,000 upon delivery of the items before he was arrested,” the DSS added.

During questioning by journalists, Abubakar admitted involvement in the operation and expressed regret over his actions, claiming it was his first time engaging in such activity.

Security agencies have intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering in recent months as part of efforts to curb the movement of illegal arms across state borders, particularly in the North-West region where banditry and violent crimes have remained persistent.

The DSS said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the suspected arms trafficking network and track down those behind the supply chain.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing the flow of illegal weapons that contribute to insecurity across affected states.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.