By Our Reporter

The Department of State Services (DSS) has foiled a major terror plot by intercepting a huge arms shipment from the Republic of Niger and arresting a female courier.

A top security source familiar with the development noted that the large consignment of high-calibre weapons and ammunition was intercepted by its operatives in Dawakawa, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following intensive surveillance of terror cells seeking to transport deadly weapons into Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, noted that the shipment was intercepted less than 70 days before the 2027 general elections.

According to the source, the weapons include 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines.

The security source revealed that owing to the Service’s increased interception of illegal weapons, terror groups have turned to the use of women and camels to move illegal weapons into and around the country.

The source added that the DSS has tracked down one of the field commanders tasked with the responsibility of causing mayhem ahead of and during the elections.

“Less than 70 days to the start of the 2027 general elections, the Department of State Security Services (DSS) has foiled a major terror plot by intercepting a large consignment of high-calibre weapons and ammunition smuggled into the country from the Niger Republic.

“The weapons, including 21 AK-47 rifles, 4 PKT machine guns and 825 magazines, were intercepted exclusively by DSS officers in Dawakawa, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following intensive surveillance of terror cells seeking to transport deadly weapons into Nigeria ahead of the general elections,” he said.

Some of the weapons intercepted by operatives of the DSS
Some of the weapons intercepted by operatives of the DSS 1

The source added that the DSS have tracked down one of the field commanders tasked with the responsibility of causing mayhem ahead of and during the elections.

Earlier in the week, operatives in Talata Mafaran LG of Zamfara State arrested another suspected female arms courier, Hafsat Umar.

“Umar, who was arrested with twelve grenades and two ammunition belts, is the 14th female illegal arms courier arrested by the DSS between February 2025 and November 2026.

“Intelligence indicated that the suspected illegal arms courier travelled to Niger State to source ammunition for delivery to a notorious bandit leader, Saidu Marafa, who is based in Kani Kawa, Maradun LGA of Zamfara State.

“The arrests by the DSS span Zamfara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau States,” the source added.

Last month, the Service arrested one Aisha Mohammed in Keffi, Nasarawa State, while “allegedly conveying arms and ammunition through a notorious arms dealer and kidnapper simply called Sani.

“Recovered from Aisha were 202 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition and three empty AK-47 magazines.

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

“The commanders include Chinonso Amobi Okafor, aka Temple, and B44, reportedly based in Anambra State. 14 wraps of IED detonators were recovered during the operation.

By Our Reporter

Barely 24 hours after governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, commissioned the Rapid Response Squad, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.

The seizure followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms linked to the Task Force Command and Call Centre, just hours after the Rapid Response Squad was officially launched by the state Governor.

A statement issued by Lamara Garba, Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee, Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Saturday said that, acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Squad identified and searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, which was suspected to be used for illicit activities.

During the operation, the operatives recovered approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and arrested a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji.

The suspect, who is said to be associated with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546, has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code. Another suspect allegedly connected to the operation is currently at large.

The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., described the seizure as a significant early result of the Rapid Response Squad, stressing that it demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and effective communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

According to the Task Force, Pregabalin has emerged as one of the most widely abused drugs in Kano State. Its operational experience indicates that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involve suspects dependent on or abusing Pregabalin.

The Task Force described the development as a serious public health and security concern, stressing that sustained enforcement, public vigilance and community cooperation would be critical to tackling the growing challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.

The latest operation is one of the first major outcomes of the investment in establishing and equipping the Rapid Response Squad, which was designed to provide a coordinated and rapid response to reports of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes.

The Chairman warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the Task Force would continue to take firm action against offenders without fear or favour.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their prayers, cooperation and continued support, urging residents to make full use of the Task Force’s reporting platforms and Command and Call Centre to provide credible information on suspected drug abuse, trafficking, thuggery and other criminal activities.

He said the cooperation of residents remained essential to strengthening public safety and advancing the state government’s “Kano First” agenda.

By Ahmad Dankogi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says 66 personnel drawn from its formations nationwide have been sanctioned for various offences.

According to NAN, Ahmed Audi, NSCDC commandant general, during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Friday, said the punishment ranged from dismissal, compulsory retirement, demotion and warnings.

He said the disciplinary actions followed the approval of the Civil Defence, Correction, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) after investigations into allegations of misconduct against the affected personnel.

The CG detailed that the sanctions were imposed based on the nature and severity of the offences committed.

He said some of the offences were involvement in arms dealing, adding that officers found culpable of particularly serious offences would face prosecution.

“Some of them are to face prosecution while some had been dismissed after facing prosecution,” he said.

“They will be prosecuted because of the veracity of the offence, level and kind of offence they have committed.”

The NSCDC boss said all the affected personnel had undergone the established disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials and relevant staff disciplinary committees, before the board approved the sanctions.

According to Audi, the affected officers were drawn from state, zonal and area commands, the national headquarters, and other formations across the country.

He noted that the NSCDC will not tolerate indiscipline or actions capable of undermining its professional standards.

The CG further said the exercise was intended to reinforce discipline within the corps and serve as a deterrent to other personnel.

“The culture of any military or paramilitary organisation stands or is built on discipline,” he said.

He, however, added that 17,000 NSCDC personnel had recently been promoted, describing the exercise as a morale booster for deserving officers and men.

Audi explained that approximately 22,000 personnel sat for the promotion examination, while about 17,000 qualified for promotion based on their performance and available vacancies approved by the federal government.

According to him, the promotion results were ready and would be displayed on the corps’ notice boards to enable personnel verify their outcomes.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary support and enabling environment for the promotion exercise and other institutional reforms within the corps. NAN