DSS intercepts 21 AK-47 rifles, machine guns in Sokoto

File copy: DSS operatives

The Department of State Services has foiled a major terror plot by intercepting a huge arms shipment from the Republic of Niger, and arrested a female courier.

A top security source familiar with the development, noted that the large consignment of high-calibre weapons and ammunition were intercepted by its operatives in Dawakawa, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following intensive surveillance of terror cells seeking to transport deadly weapons into Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, noted that the shipment was intercepted less than 70 days to the 2027 general elections.

According to the source, the weapons include 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines.

The security source revealed that owing to he Service’s increased interception of illegal weapons, terror groups have turned to the use of women and camels to move illegal weapons into and around the country.

The source added that the DSS has tracked down one of the field commanders tasked with the responsibility of causing mayhem ahead and during the elections.

“Less than 70 days to the start of the 2027 general elections, the Department of State Security Services (DSS) has foiled a major terror plot by intercepting a large consignment of high-calibre weapons and ammunition smuggled into the country from Niger Republic.

“The weapons, including 21 AK-47 rifles, 4 PKT machine guns and 825 magazines, were intercepted exclusively by DSS officers in Dawakawa, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following intensive surveillance of terror cells seeking to transport deadly weapons into Nigeria ahead of the general elections,” he said.

The source added that the DSS have tracked down one of the field commanders tasked with the responsibility of causing mayhem ahead and during the elections.

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Earlier in the week, operatives in Talata Mafaran LG of Zamfara State, arrested another suspected female arms courier, Hafsat Umar.

“Umar, who was arrested with twelve grenades and two ammunition belts, is the 14th female illegal arms courier arrested by the DSS between February 2025 and November 2026.

“Intelligence indicated that the suspected illegal arms courier travelled to Niger State to source ammunition for delivery to a notorious bandit leader, Saidu Marafa, who is based in Kani Kawa, Maradun LGA of Zamfara State.

“The arrests by the DSS span Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau States,” the source added.

Last month, the Service arrested one Aisha Mohammed in Keffi, Nasarawa State, while “allegedly conveying arms and ammunition through a notorious arms dealer and kidnapper simply called Sani.

“Recovered from Aisha were 202 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition and three empty AK-47 magazines.

“In September, 2026, two female couriers, Chika Aguzie and Blessing Nwamba were arrested at separate locations in Ebonyi State over their alleged involvement in the supply of weapons and explosives to commanders of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“The commanders include Chinonso Amobi Okafor, aka Temple, and B44, reportedly based in Anambra State. 14 wraps of IED detonators, were recovered during the operation.”