A coordinated covert operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the dismantling of a gunrunning syndicate operating in Kaduna State, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition and arresting key suspects.
Governor Uba Sani, while reacting to the development, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the DSS for their decisive intervention.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), the governor described the operation as a strategic victory in the state’s ongoing security reforms under the Kaduna Peace Model.
“There must be some bad eggs who want to rubbish government’s efforts, but the DSS in Kaduna has done wonderfully well. This is the kind of result we get when institutions work together,” the governor said.
It was gathered that the covert operations, which targeted gunrunning activities in Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas, led to the arrest of three suspects linked to a major weapons supply network to bandit groups across the North.
The first suspect, a 30-year-old, was intercepted along Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass, Kaduna, while transporting arms concealed in sacks of maize.
Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, 220 rounds of live ammunition, and four empty magazines.
Further arrests were made along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway, where two suspects aged 44 and 38 were found with three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and ₦69,050 hidden in their vehicle.
Governor Sani noted that the success of the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the state’s security framework, which is anchored on intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and community engagement.
He reiterated that Kaduna’s peace and security strategy remains preventive and proactive.
“His Excellency has been consistent in supporting all security agencies, and that teamwork is paying off,” Shuaibu added, noting that Kaduna’s peace architecture is now being studied by other states.
Sani expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Director-General of the DSS for strengthening the state’s security operations, citing improved coordination and operational efficiency under their leadership.
The governor urged residents to remain alert and collaborate with security agencies.
“When you see something, say something. Your identity will be protected. Together, we will keep Kaduna safe,” he said.
Findings revealed that the intercepted weapons were destined for a notorious bandit network in Niger State, with Kaduna serving as a key transit route.
Security sources disclosed that the DSS is intensifying efforts to dismantle the remaining elements of the syndicate.
According to the source, President Tinubu has issued a directive to ensure the complete dismantling of the gunrunning ring, including their sources and the bandit groups they supply.
