DSS Intercepts 25-Year-Old Woman with 220 Rounds of Ammunition Concealed in Gari
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have made a significant arrest in Kano, apprehending a 25-year-old woman, Nafisa Usman, who was found in possession of 220 rounds of ammunition cleverly concealed within bags of gari. The interception occurred at a motor park, where Nafisa was reportedly taking delivery of the illicit cargo, according to a security source familiar with the operation.
Details of the Arrest and Concealment Method
Nafisa Usman, a native of Zango village in the Kankara local government area of Katsina state, was intercepted by DSS agents following an intelligence-led operation. The ammunition was hidden among bags of gari and local items, along with some naira notes, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the concealment attempt. This discovery underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security agencies in combating illegal arms trafficking in the region.
Confession and Supply Chain Revelations
Speaking to journalists at the DSS State Command, Nafisa confessed to receiving the ammunition supply through a military officer based in Lafia, Nasarawa State. She admitted that she had never met the officer in person but regularly took delivery of various quantities of ammunition at the Unguwa Uku motor park in Kano. Nafisa detailed her involvement in a supply chain that funnels ammunition to bandits operating in Katsina state.
She identified a man named Mallam Haruna as her primary contact, who collects the ammunition for onward transmission to bandits in the Kankara forest. Nafisa explained that she has been involved in this trade for approximately two months, with a person known as "Teso," who works with a soldier in Lafia, responsible for sending the consignments to her.
Financial Transactions and Regret
Nafisa claimed to have conducted transactions worth about ₦5 million, supplying ammunition not only to Haruna but also to other individuals identified as Buba and Abu, who are also active in the forest areas. Expressing deep regret over her involvement, she stated that she now feels exposed and remorseful for her actions, which have potentially contributed to the insecurity plaguing the region.
Implications for Security and Ongoing Investigations
This arrest highlights the critical role of intelligence operations in disrupting arms supply networks that fuel banditry and violence in northern Nigeria. The DSS's swift action in intercepting Nafisa underscores the agency's commitment to enhancing national security. Authorities are likely to pursue further investigations to uncover the full extent of this supply chain, including the involvement of the military officer and other accomplices.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often hidden networks that sustain criminal activities, necessitating continued vigilance and cooperation among security agencies to protect communities and restore peace in affected areas.
