DSS operatives have arrested two suspected arms couriers and rescued a kidnapped victim in a latest intelligence‑led operation that also uncovered a cache of rocket‑propelled grenades allegedly linked to a bandits’ network.
Security sources said the suspects were intercepted by personnel of the Department of State Services at a security stop after days of covert surveillance on an arms trafficking cell believed to be supplying weapons to criminal gangs across parts of the North‑East.
The men, identified as middle‑aged residents of the region, were reportedly travelling in a grey Toyota Corolla when they were flagged down and subjected to a search, during which DSS operatives discovered two RPG warheads, an RPG launcher and other items hidden inside the vehicle. The consignment, which investigators suspect was destined for a notorious bandit kingpin, was allegedly concealed among food items including tubers of yam and containers of red oil to avoid detection at checkpoints.
In a related operation, the DSS also rescued a six‑year‑old boy who was allegedly abducted by a suspected kidnapper under the guise of teaching him how to ride a motorcycle.
The child, identified as Mohammed Jabir, was reportedly taken from his community before prompt intelligence reporting enabled operatives to track and safely recover him in a nearby village, arresting the suspect and reuniting the boy with his parents. The rescued child’s family, who received him from DSS operatives, expressed gratitude to the security agency for the swift response and professionalism displayed during the operation.
DSS sources said the latest arrests form part of an ongoing clampdown on arms smuggling rings believed to be fuelling banditry and kidnapping in parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa States. The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations, even as security agencies intensify efforts to track other members of the network and their financiers.
