The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five individuals suspected of involvement in the attack on St Mary's Catholic School in Papiri village, Niger State, where over 300 students and teachers were abducted last year.
Security Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests
The arrests are part of ongoing security operations linked to the November incident in which gunmen seized 315 persons, including 303 pupils and 12 teachers. While 50 students reportedly escaped within 24 hours, the remaining victims were later released in phases.
According to counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, those arrested include a suspected Boko Haram member and two Nigerien nationals allegedly involved in supplying weapons to the attackers. Makama disclosed that a large cache of arms was recovered during the operation.
"Recovered from the men were a large cache of arms, including 15 AK rifles and 1,434 rounds of live ammunition," he said. Security sources said one of the suspects, identified as Yusuf Mohammed, also known as "Bature", was on a list of wanted Boko Haram members.
Arms Supply Network Uncovered
Investigators reportedly linked the suspects to a broader arms trafficking network operating across Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic. "According to credible security sources, one Yusuf Mohammed aka Bature... and his accomplice, Mubarak Ibrahim, were arrested on the Zaria–Kaduna highway while on their way to collect a consignment of arms for their commanders," Makama stated.
A follow-up operation reportedly led to the arrest of additional suspects, including Goni Ibrahim and Tukur Sani, who were intercepted with rifles and ammunition concealed in a vehicle.
Further Arrests Expand Investigation
Security officials also confirmed the arrest of another alleged courier, identified as Alhaji Adamu, also known as Gado Banufe, in Yauri, Kebbi State. "The security sources disclosed that preliminary investigations established that the five men served as arms couriers to the gunmen who carried out the November 2025 attacks," Makama added.
The DSS says investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to dismantle the wider network behind the abduction.
