DSS intercepts rockets, rifles destined for bandit network in Zamfara

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have intercepted a cache of military-grade weapons allegedly bound for a bandit network operating in Zamfara State, in a major disruption of cross-border arms trafficking routes in the North-West.

The suspect, identified as Abubakar Muhammad, was arrested in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State during an intelligence-led operation that followed days of surveillance on suspected arms movement corridors.

According to a DSS operational report released on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the suspect was acting as a courier transporting the weapons to a suspected bandit kingpin operating within forest enclaves in Zamfara.

Security sources said the suspect, a commercial transporter from Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, was tracked as he moved the consignment through a known trafficking route spanning Jigawa, Katsina, and Zamfara states.

The journey reportedly began in Maigatari in Jigawa State, passed through Funtua in Katsina State, and was ultimately intended for delivery into bandit-controlled territories in Zamfara.

A breakdown of the intercepted weapons showed four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers with warheads, three AK-47 rifles, and additional ammunition components.

DSS officials said the interception was made possible through coordinated tracking of logistics networks used by criminal groups to move arms across state lines.

The suspect was arrested mid-transit and taken into custody at the DSS Kano Command, where he is currently being interrogated.

Security sources said preliminary questioning indicates he was contracted to deliver the weapons for an agreed payment upon successful delivery, though investigations are ongoing to identify the wider network behind the shipment.

A senior intelligence official described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle supply chains feeding armed groups in the North-West, adding that investigations are now focused on identifying both local and external sources of the weapons.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised the DSS for the interception, describing it as a critical step in preventing arms from reaching criminal groups operating in forest regions.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.