DSS Busts Alleged Arms Trafficking Network Supplying Terrorists In Katsina, Nasarawa.

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested an alleged arms supply kingpin, Abubakar Mubarak, and dismantled a suspected network accused of supplying weapons and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in Katsina and Nasarawa states.

Mubarak, 28, was arrested by DSS operatives on Tuesday, August 24, 2026, in Magabar Jibia, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He is said to be from Mashema Village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation reportedly exposed an alleged arms trafficking network operating across several northern states.

Community leaders in Katsina and Nasarawa States, who spoke separately to journalists, commended the DSS for the arrests and the alleged disruption of the arms supply chain.

A community leader in Jibia Local Government Area said residents were relieved by Mubarak’s arrest, claiming that communities had suffered from activities allegedly linked to the network.

Meanwhile, a community leader near Keffi in Nasarawa State confirmed the arrest of an alleged arms courier, Ismail Lawalli, along the Keffi–Abuja Highway on Sunday evening.

According to the source, Lawalli, who is also from Mashema Village, was allegedly intercepted by DSS operatives while in possession of 1,099 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 57 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 106 rounds of General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition.

The source said Lawalli allegedly admitted during questioning that he was transporting the ammunition to Mubarak, who was said to have paid for its delivery.

The information reportedly led DSS operatives to arrest Mubarak in Katsina State.

The community leader further disclosed that Mubarak’s elder brother, Mustapha Abubakar, had earlier been arrested in Gusau, Zamfara State, in connection with an alleged arms trafficking operation.

Mustapha was reportedly arrested with an AK-47 rifle and 20 rounds of ammunition.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS as investigations continue.

According to the source, they are expected to face prosecution following the conclusion of the investigation.

The community leaders praised the DSS for its efforts in tracking and dismantling suspected illegal arms supply networks, expressing hope that continued collaboration among security agencies would help reduce insecurity across the country.