Breaking: DSS Foils Terror Plot, Intercepts Arms Shipment from Niger Republic, Recovers 21 AK-47 Rifles, Four Machine Guns, 825 Magazines

The Department of State Services (DSS) has thwarted a significant terror plot after intercepting a substantial arms and ammunition shipment entering Nigeria from Niger Republic. This operation, conducted in Dawakawa, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, resulted in the seizure of 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns, and 825 magazines.

This interception followed extensive surveillance of terror cells attempting to smuggle deadly weapons into Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections. Security sources revealed that terrorist groups have been increasingly using women and animals, especially camels, to transport illegal weapons into and within Nigeria due to intensified DSS interceptions.

DSS agents also apprehended a field commander allegedly responsible for instigating violence prior to and during elections. Earlier this week, DSS operatives arrested a female arms courier named Hafsat Umar in Zamfara State, who was found with 12 grenades and two ammunition belts. This brings the total number of female illegal arms couriers apprehended by the DSS between February 2025 and November 2026 to 14.

Intelligence reports indicated that Umar had traveled to Niger State to acquire ammunition for delivery to a notorious bandit leader in Zamfara State. Between February 2025 and November 2026, female suspects across Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna, and Plateau states were arrested for involvement in the illegal arms trade.

Among the notable arrests were Aisha Mohammed in Keffi, Nasarawa State, with 202 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition and three empty magazines; Chika Aguzie and Blessing Nwamba in Ebonyi State, accused of supplying weapons and explosives to Eastern Security Network (ESN) commanders; and Rabiatu Halidu in Nasarawa State, who was caught with 501 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

During the past year, the DSS also arrested several other women, including Sakina Muhammad and Badariyya Abubakar in Taraba State, Rahane Sanusi in Zamfara State, and Aisha Ibrahim in Zamfara State, with various quantities of ammunition recovered in each case. The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted some of these women in terrorism-related cases.

Hafsat Umar will be charged to court like the others, and the DSS promises to leverage intelligence and conduct ongoing tactical operations to apprehend and prosecute all individuals involved in the illegal arms trade.