Sokoto: DSS Seizes 21 AK-47 Rifles, Four Machine Guns Smuggled from Niger Republic
The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a major consignment of arms and ammunition allegedly being trafficked from the Niger Republic to suspected armed groups operating in Nigeria’s North-West.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, November 10, at Dawakawa in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, reportedly targeted suspected cross-border weapons trafficking networks along the Nigeria-Niger frontier.
Security sources disclosed that the suspected smugglers were allegedly using camels to transport the weapons through remote routes and difficult terrain in an apparent attempt to evade security surveillance.
Items recovered during the operation included 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines.
The interception is considered a significant disruption of suspected arms supply networks believed to be facilitating the activities of armed groups in the North-West.
The use of camels to transport the weapons also highlights the unconventional methods adopted by criminal networks to exploit difficult terrain and poorly monitored border routes for arms trafficking.
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The recovered weapons are expected to provide security agencies with important leads to identify the suppliers, transporters and intended recipients of the consignment.
Reports indicated that several communities along Nigeria’s border with the Niger Republic remain vulnerable to cross-border arms trafficking, bandit movements and other criminal activities.
In Sokoto State, the affected areas include Illela, Sabon Birni, Isa, Gudu and Tangaza. Other vulnerable locations include Jibia, Kaita, Mai’Adua and Kongolam in Katsina State; Zurmi and Shinkafi in Zamfara State; as well as Kamba and Arewa Dandi in Kebbi State.
These border corridors are particularly vulnerable because of porous boundaries, informal trading networks and difficult-to-monitor rural terrain, which criminal groups, including bandits and Lakurawa, are suspected of exploiting for illicit activities.
The latest interception underscores the need for sustained intelligence surveillance, stronger border monitoring and coordinated security operations to dismantle transnational weapons trafficking networks.
It also highlights the importance of targeting the financiers, suppliers and distribution channels behind illegal arms trafficking, rather than concentrating enforcement efforts solely on couriers and transporters.
