1,262 Rounds Of Ammunition Seized As DSS Busts Alleged Arms Network

NASARAWA, Nigeria — The arrest of an alleged ammunition courier and the seizure of 1,262 rounds of ammunition have led to the detention of a suspected arms trafficking kingpin in Katsina State, community leaders said.

The development has raised fresh attention on the movement of illegal weapons across northern Nigeria, where several communities have faced security challenges linked to armed groups.

The alleged courier, Ismail Lawalli, was arrested by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives along the Keffi-Abuja Highway in Nasarawa State on Sunday evening.

A community leader from the area, who is a retired security agent, said Lawalli was arrested with different types of ammunition.

The recovered items reportedly included 1,099 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 57 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 106 rounds of General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition.

The total quantity was 1,262 rounds.

According to the community leader, Lawalli allegedly told investigators that he was transporting the ammunition to Abubakar Mubarak.

Mubarak was subsequently arrested by DSS operatives in Magabar Jibia, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Tuesday.

The alleged arms kingpin is 28 years old and was identified as a native of Mashema Village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The sequence of events has led community leaders to describe the operation as an important breakthrough in efforts to disrupt illegal arms supply networks.

A community leader in Jibia said residents welcomed Mubarak’s arrest, alleging that the suspect and people associated with him had been linked to violence in the area.

The leader expressed gratitude to the DSS and said residents hoped the arrest would help bring an end to what he described as a period of fear.

The investigation could extend beyond the two men already arrested.

The Nasarawa community leader disclosed that Mubarak’s elder brother, Mustapha Abubakar, had also been arrested by DSS operatives earlier this year.

Mustapha was reportedly arrested in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, with an AK-47 rifle and 20 rounds of ammunition.

The disclosure could provide investigators with another avenue to examine the alleged movement of arms between Zamfara and other northern states.

Illegal arms trafficking has remained a major security concern in Nigeria, particularly in areas where armed groups operate.

For communities affected by attacks, the availability of firearms and ammunition can make criminal and militant activity more difficult to contain.

Community leaders therefore urged security agencies to sustain operations aimed at identifying the sources, transporters and intended recipients of illegal weapons.

The Nasarawa leader also called for continued cooperation among security agencies to tackle individuals and networks involved in activities that fuel insecurity.

The suspects are currently being held by the DSS for further investigation, according to the community leader.

Details of possible charges have not been provided.

The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.