Weapons recovered by DSS in Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their coordinated covert operations that led to the dismantling of a gunrunning syndicate and recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in the state.
The governor described the successful operation as a major milestone in the ongoing implementation of his administration’s Kaduna Peace Model, stressing that there would be no safe haven for arms traffickers, bandits, or their collaborators.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), Governor Sani said the outcome of the operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement in the fight against insecurity.
“There must be some bad eggs who want to undermine government’s efforts, but the DSS in Kaduna has done excellently well. This is the kind of result we achieve when institutions work together,” he said.
He praised the synergy among security agencies in the state, noting that sustained collaboration has made Kaduna one of the most stable states in the Northwest.
“His Excellency has been consistent in supporting all security agencies, and that teamwork is paying off,” the Commissioner added.
Sani reiterated that the Kaduna Peace Model is both preventive and proactive, combining non-kinetic engagement with actionable intelligence.
He said the framework has significantly reduced crime rates and is now being studied by other states seeking sustainable peace strategies.
The governor also lauded President Tinubu and the Director-General of the DSS for strengthening the state’s security architecture, saying Kaduna has witnessed improved coordination and operational efficiency under their leadership.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence.
“When you see something, say something. Your identity will be protected. Together, we will keep Kaduna safe,” he assured.
It was gathered that DSS operatives arrested three suspects linked to a major gunrunning network that supplied arms to bandit groups across the North. The arrests were made in separate covert operations in Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas.
The first suspect, aged 30, was intercepted along Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass in Igabi 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.
Two other suspects, aged 44 and 38, were later arrested along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway with three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and ₦69,050 hidden in their vehicle.
Investigations revealed that the arms were being transported to a notorious bandit network in Niger State, with Kaduna serving as a transit corridor. Security sources said the DSS is intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate and dismantle their operations across the Northwest.
It was further learnt that President Tinubu has directed the Service to completely dismantle the entire network of gunrunners, their supply channels, and the bandit groups they service.
