The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a large consignment of firearms and ammunition allegedly smuggled from the Niger Republic into Nigeria, recovering 21 AK-47 rifles, four machine guns and 825 magazines in Sokoto State.

The operation took place in Dawakawa, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following intelligence gathering and surveillance of suspected weapons trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria-Niger border.

A security source familiar with the operation disclosed that the weapons were intercepted as suspected criminal networks allegedly sought to move firearms into Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The recovered weapons comprised 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines.

The interception reportedly followed sustained monitoring of suspected terrorist networks believed to be involved in transporting illegal weapons into the country.

According to the source, criminal groups have increasingly adopted unconventional methods of moving firearms and ammunition to evade security surveillance, including the use of women and animals such as camels.

The source also disclosed that the DSS had tracked a suspected field commander allegedly assigned to coordinate activities intended to cause violence before and during the forthcoming elections.

Suspected Female Arms Courier Arrested in Zamfara

In a related development, DSS operatives reportedly arrested a suspected female arms courier, identified as Hafsat Umar, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Umar was allegedly found with 12 grenades and two ammunition belts during the operation.

A security source said intelligence findings indicated that she had travelled to Niger State to obtain ammunition for delivery to a suspected bandit leader, Saidu Marafa, reportedly based in Kani Kawa, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The source described her as the 14th suspected female illegal arms courier arrested by the DSS between February 2025 and November 2026.

Other reported arrests involving suspected female arms couriers have taken place in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau states.

In one of the cases, a woman identified as Aisha Mohammed was reportedly arrested in Keffi, Nasarawa State, with 202 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition and three empty magazines.

In September 2026, two other suspects, Chika Aguzie and Blessing Nwamba, were arrested at separate locations in Ebonyi State over alleged involvement in supplying weapons and explosives to commanders of the outlawed Eastern Security Network.

Fourteen wraps of improvised explosive device detonators were reportedly recovered during that operation.

Security Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections

The latest interception comes as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent the movement of illegal firearms and disrupt the activities of armed groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027.

The movement of illegal weapons across the Nigeria-Niger border has remained a security concern, particularly in parts of the North-West where armed banditry, kidnapping and attacks on communities have persisted.

The latest recovery is expected to provide investigators with leads to identify those behind the alleged arms trafficking operation, including the suppliers, transporters, financiers and intended recipients of the weapons.

The DSS reportedly said it would sustain intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend individuals involved in illegal arms trafficking.

However, the identities of those responsible for the Sokoto consignment and the intended recipients of the recovered weapons have not been publicly established.