By Milcah Tanimu
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Armed Forces for their successful interception of a significant arms and ammunition cache being smuggled from Niger Republic.
During his inspection of the seized weapons in Gusau, Lawal expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support in enhancing national security. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to assisting security agencies in tackling terrorism and crime across the state.
How the DSS and Military Seized the Arms
DSS operatives, working with Operation Fansan Yamma troops, tracked notorious arms courier Abubakar Umar (Dangada) from Niger Republic to the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi Road. Intelligence reports revealed that Umar was transporting weapons to Birnin Magaji LGA for delivery to key bandit leaders, including Kachallah Atta, Alhaji Shinge, Alhaji Nashama, and Zaki.
Following a gunfight, the arms couriers abandoned a red Volkswagen Golf station wagon (RBC 731 GU) and fled with gunshot wounds. Security forces recovered:
- 7 AK-47 rifles
- 2 PKT GPMG machine guns
- 2 AK-103 rifles
- 169 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition
- 9 PKT rounds, one chain, and 13 empty magazines
Lawal praised the DSS for their intelligence and operational success, reaffirming confidence in their ability to maintain internal security.
