Operatives of the Department of State Services have apprehended a suspected arms trafficker allegedly transporting weapons intended for a notorious bandit commander operating in Zamfara State.
According to an operational report obtained on Saturday, the suspect was arrested on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State following intelligence-led surveillance.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect was moving a cache of weapons from Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Funtua in Katsina State, where the arms were reportedly meant to be handed over to criminal elements.
Recovered from the suspect were three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes with warheads, and two empty magazines.
A security official familiar with the investigation said preliminary findings linked the weapons consignment to a wanted bandit leader believed to be operating in parts of Zamfara State.
“The suspect admitted during interrogation that he was hired to transport the weapons from Maigatari to Funtua. He was promised a payment of ₦450,000 upon successful delivery,” the source revealed.
The official added that investigators are working to uncover the wider network behind the illegal arms movement and identify other individuals connected to the operation.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the arms supply chain and track down all collaborators involved in the transaction,” the source said.
Security authorities described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in efforts to cut off the flow of weapons to armed groups responsible for kidnappings, violent attacks and other criminal activities across the North-West region.
The suspect remains in DSS custody and is expected to face further questioning and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
Officials noted that intelligence-driven operations have continued to play a key role in dismantling logistical networks that support banditry, terrorism and organised crime in various parts of the country.
