DSS: Intercepts 21 AK-47 Rifles in Sokoto, Foiling Terror Plot

• The Department of State Services (DSS) intercepted a large arms shipment in Dawakawa, Sokoto State, less than 70 days before the 2027 general elections.
• The seizure included 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns, and 825 magazines, originating from the Republic of Niger.
• A female courier was arrested during the Sokoto operation, and the DSS has tracked a field commander linked to pre-election mayhem.
• Terror groups are increasingly using women and camels for illegal arms trafficking due to enhanced DSS interceptions.
• The DSS has made 14 arrests of female arms couriers between February 2025 and November 2026, spanning multiple Nigerian states.

This successful weapons seizure in Sokoto occurred less than 70 days before the scheduled commencement of the 2027 general elections, underscoring the urgency and strategic importance of the DSS's actions.

The Department of State Services (DSS) recently thwarted a significant terror plot by intercepting a substantial arms consignment originating from the Republic of Niger. This crucial operation, which also led to the arrest of a female courier, unfolded in Dawakawa, located within the Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The interception, a direct result of intensive surveillance targeting terror cells, aimed to prevent the flow of deadly weapons into Nigeria as the 2027 general elections approach.

The seized arsenal included a considerable cache of high-calibre weaponry: 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns, and 825 magazines. This successful weapons seizure in Sokoto occurred less than 70 days before the scheduled commencement of the 2027 general elections, underscoring the urgency and strategic importance of the DSS's actions. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to counter illegal arms trafficking Nigeria and safeguard the electoral process.

In response to the Department of State Services Nigeria's increasingly effective interception of illegal weapons, terror groups have adapted their methods, now frequently employing women and even camels to transport illicit arms both into and across the country. This shift in tactics is evidenced by a series of recent arrests across multiple states. Earlier this week, in Talata Mafaran Local Government Area of Zamfara State, operatives apprehended Hafsat Umar, a suspected female arms courier, recovering twelve grenades and two ammunition belts. Umar represents the 14th female illegal arms courier arrested by the DSS between February 2025 and November 2026, indicating a clear pattern.

Intelligence reports suggest that Umar had traveled to Niger State to procure ammunition intended for Saidu Marafa, a notorious bandit leader operating from Kani Kawa in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Furthermore, last month, Aisha Mohammed was arrested in Keffi, Nasarawa State, allegedly transporting arms and ammunition for a known arms dealer and kidnapper identified only as Sani; 202 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition and three empty AK-47 magazines were recovered from her. In September 2026, two other female couriers, Chika Aguzie and Blessing Nwamba, were separately apprehended in Ebonyi State for their alleged involvement in supplying weapons and explosives to commanders of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN), including Chinonso Amobi Okafor (alias Temple) and B44, reportedly based in Anambra State, with 14 wraps of IED detonators seized during these operations. The widespread nature of these arrests, spanning Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna, and Plateau States, underscores the pervasive challenge of illegal arms trafficking.

The recent Dawakawa Goronyo arms interception and the subsequent arrests underscore the heightened national security enforcement by the DSS, particularly as the nation gears up for the 2027 general elections. The Department of State Services Nigeria has not only disrupted a major supply chain but has also successfully tracked down one of the field commanders believed to be orchestrating widespread disruption during the pre-election and election periods. These proactive measures are critical in mitigating potential threats and ensuring a more secure environment for the democratic process.

The consistent efforts by the DSS to dismantle these networks, including the significant DSS intercepts 21 AK-47 Sokoto operation, signal a robust commitment to national security. The evolving methods of criminal organizations, particularly the increased reliance on female arms courier arrest Nigeria, present new challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This trend necessitates adaptive strategies to counter illicit activities and maintain peace and order across the country.

This development signals heightened national security enforcement by the DSS, particularly concerning illegal arms trafficking ahead of the 2027 elections. Lawyers advising clients on security compliance or involved in criminal defense related to arms possession should note the evolving tactics of criminal networks, including the use of female couriers, which may impact risk assessments and defense strategies.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH newspaper.