From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three suspected gunrunners, allegedly supplying weapons to bandits operating across Kaduna State and parts of the North-West.
The coordinated operation, conducted in Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas, marked another major breakthrough in the fight against arms trafficking and terrorism in the region.
A statement issued by the service disclosed that the suspects were apprehended following weeks of intelligence gathering on illegal arms movement through the Kaduna corridor. The secret service said its operatives intercepted one of the suspects along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass in Igabi, where he was transporting arms hidden in bags of maize.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and four empty magazines concealed in the vehicle. The DSS said the suspect was on his way to deliver the consignment to a group of bandits operating in the Birnin Gwari axis before he was intercepted.
Two other suspects were later arrested in Doka village, Kachia Local Government Area, during a separate sting operation. According to the statement, the duo were caught while attempting to move three AK-47 rifles in a Volkswagen Golf vehicle suspected to be en route to a notorious bandit enclave.
The DSS explained that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle logistics and supply networks sustaining armed groups in the North-West. “Our operations are intelligence-driven and aimed at crippling the sources of arms and ammunition available to criminal elements”, the statement read.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, has commended the service for its swift action, describing the operation as a “critical step toward restoring peace and security”. He assured that his administration would continue to collaborate with federal security agencies to track down those aiding and abetting violent crimes in the state.
“The government will not tolerate any network or individual that contributes to the proliferation of arms or fuels insecurity in Kaduna”, the Governor said. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting proactive security operations and intelligence sharing.
