The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two foreign nationals from Niger Republic, in connection with an alleged weapons supply network linked to the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
During the operation, security operatives recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, in what authorities describe as a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the mass school kidnapping.
According to security sources, the operation began with the arrest of Yusuf Mohammed, also known as Bature, and Mubarak Ibrahim along the Zaria-Kaduna Highway. The suspects were allegedly on their way to collect a consignment of weapons intended for armed groups operating in the region.
Further investigations reportedly led to the arrest of Goni Ibrahim, an alleged international arms courier from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic, and another suspect, Tukur Sani. The weapons were said to have been concealed in a blue vehicle used by the group.
Days later, operatives arrested another suspect, Alhaji Adamu, popularly known as Gado Banufe, in Yauri, Kebbi State. Investigators believe he played a role in supplying weapons to criminal groups across parts of northwestern Nigeria.
Preliminary findings suggest the suspects may have served as arms couriers for the gunmen responsible for the November 2025 attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri village.
The attack shocked the nation after heavily armed assailants stormed the boarding school in the early hours of the morning, abducting hundreds of students and staff members. While some pupils escaped during the chaos, many others were taken into the Kainji Lake Reserve forest and held captive for several weeks.
The incident renewed concerns about the safety of schools in vulnerable communities across northern Nigeria. Government officials later confirmed that all remaining captives had been rescued and reunited with their families.
Authorities say investigations into the alleged arms-trafficking network are ongoing.
