DSS Arrests Suspected Arms Courier in Kano, Seizes AK-47 Rifles
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a 30-year-old suspected arms courier, Muhammad Abubakar, in Kano State while allegedly transporting weapons destined for Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The suspect was paraded on Thursday at the DSS State Command headquarters in Kano, where security officials disclosed that he was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area following actionable intelligence.
According to the DSS, Abubakar, a commercial transporter, was intercepted while conveying four Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles, and two empty magazines. Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons were allegedly collected from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State for onward delivery to a recipient in Funtua.
The Service stated that the suspect confessed during interrogation that he was promised a payment of N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
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“He was arrested in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State following an intelligence tip-off. Upon interrogation, the suspect disclosed that he collected the weapons from one Bello in Maigatari and was transporting them to Funtua before he was intercepted,” the DSS said.
Speaking to journalists, the suspect claimed it was his first involvement in such an operation.
Abubakar, who said he hails from Mokwa in Niger State, explained that he works as a transporter, conveying passengers between Kano, Abuja and Mokwa.
According to him, he was repeatedly persuaded by the alleged supplier to undertake the assignment.
“Initially, I declined, but after persistent pressure for about a week, I agreed. Yesterday, I met him in Maigatari, where he handed over the weapons. I was arrested while transporting them to Funtua,” he said.
The suspect further stated that he had been provided with the telephone number of the intended recipient but could not recall the individual’s name.
He admitted knowing that the weapons were likely intended for criminal activities and confirmed that the agreed payment for the assignment was N450,000.
The DSS said the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that efforts were ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies to track down and apprehend his alleged accomplices.
The agency reiterated its commitment to combating the illicit movement of arms and strengthening efforts to curb insecurity across the country.
