Security Alert Ahead Of 2027 Elections As DSS Seizes 21 AK-47 Rifles, Four Machine Guns

The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a large consignment of firearms and ammunition allegedly smuggled into Nigeria from the Niger Republic, raising fresh concerns over possible security threats ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The operation, which took place in Dawakawa, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, reportedly led to the recovery of 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines.

According to Bush Radio Academy, citing security information, the weapons were intercepted after DSS operatives tracked suspected terrorist networks allegedly involved in the illegal transportation of firearms into the country.

A security source disclosed that some armed groups had reportedly changed their methods of moving weapons following increased arrests and seizures by security agencies. The groups were said to have resorted to using women and animals, particularly camels, to transport illegal arms across different locations.

The source also revealed that the DSS had tracked down a suspected field commander allegedly assigned to orchestrate violence before and during the 2027 general elections.

The latest interception comes amid a series of operations targeting individuals suspected of serving as arms couriers for terrorist and bandit groups across the country.

Earlier in the week, DSS operatives reportedly arrested a suspected female arms courier, identified as Hafsat Umar, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Twelve grenades and two ammunition belts were allegedly recovered during the operation.

Umar is reportedly the 14th woman arrested by the agency over suspected illegal arms transportation between February 2025 and November 2026.

Intelligence reports indicated that she had allegedly travelled to Niger State to obtain ammunition for delivery to a suspected bandit leader, Saidu Marafa, who reportedly operates from Kani Kawa in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Other arrests involving suspected female arms couriers have reportedly been recorded in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau states.

Among the cases was the arrest of Aisha Mohammed in Keffi, Nasarawa State, last month. She was allegedly transporting weapons and ammunition through a suspected arms dealer and kidnapper identified as Sani. Operatives reportedly recovered 202 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition and three empty AK-47 magazines from her.

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

The suspected recipients reportedly included Chinonso Amobi Okafor, popularly known as Temple, and another commander identified as B44, who were said to be operating in Anambra State. Fourteen wraps of improvised explosive device (IED) detonators were also reportedly recovered during the operations.

In another operation in August, DSS operatives arrested Rabiatu Halidu along Abacha Road in Katu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where she was allegedly found with 501 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Similarly, Aisha Ibrahim was arrested in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State in February with 975 rounds of ammunition.

Earlier in January, two suspects, Sakina Muhammad and Badariyya Abubakar, were reportedly arrested along the Wukari-Jalingo Road in Taraba State. Security operatives allegedly recovered an AK-47 rifle, 984 rounds of special ammunition, 105 rounds of general-purpose machine gun ammunition and 14 empty AK-47 magazines from them.

The DSS also recorded several arrests in 2025 as part of efforts to disrupt the supply of weapons to armed groups. One of the suspects, Rahane Sanusi, was reportedly arrested in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, while allegedly transporting ammunition from an illegal arms dealer in Sokoto State to a suspected bandit leader, Ibrahim Bare, also known as Baba, in Anka Local Government Area.

Other women reportedly arrested during the period included Suwaiba Abubakar, Halima Umar, Firdausi Haruna, Saidya Ibrahim and Fatima Sani, with various quantities of weapons and ammunition recovered during the operations.

Beyond the arrests, the DSS has also secured convictions against some women accused of involvement in terrorism-related activities.

Earlier in the year, the Federal High Court in Abuja reportedly convicted three female arms couriers identified as Halima Abdullahi, Safiya Salihu and Halima Umar following their prosecution on terrorism-related charges. Each of the defendants was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The latest interception highlights the ongoing security efforts to disrupt illegal arms networks and prevent the movement of weapons that could threaten public safety and national stability ahead of the 2027 elections.