DSS Arrests Five Suspected Arms Couriers Linked to Papiri School Abduction
DSS Arrests Five Suspected Arms Couriers Linked to Papiri School Abduction
DSS Arrests Five Suspected Arms Couriers Linked to Papiri School Abduction
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two foreign nationals, over their alleged involvement in supplying weapons to gunmen responsible for the mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, in November 2025.
According to a statement issued by the Service, the suspects are believed to have played key roles in providing arms and ammunition to the criminal group that carried out one of Nigeria’s most notorious school abductions in recent years.
The operation reportedly began with the interception of three suspects along the Zaria-Kaduna Highway while they were allegedly on their way to receive a consignment of weapons.
Further intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of a suspected international arms courier, Goni Ibrahim, from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic, and his alleged accomplice, Tukur Sani.
Security operatives recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed in the suspects’ vehicle.
The DSS said a subsequent operation resulted in the arrest of another suspected member of the syndicate, Alhaji Adamu, popularly known as Gado Banufe, in Yauri, Kebbi State.
Investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly involved in supplying arms to the gunmen behind the November 21, 2025 attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School, during which hundreds of students and staff were abducted.
The attackers reportedly stormed the boarding school and took away a large number of students and teachers. While some victims managed to escape during the attack, more than 250 others were reportedly taken into the Kainji Lake Reserve forest.
The DSS said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider network involved in arms trafficking and kidnapping operations across the region.
The Service reiterated its commitment to working with other security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime threatening national security.
DSS Arrests Five Suspected Arms Couriers Linked to Papiri School Abduction
