Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have recorded a significant breakthrough in their ongoing crackdown on insecurity-related crimes with the arrest of a 25-year-old woman, Nadisa Usman, who is alleged to be deeply involved in ammunition trafficking to terrorist elements operating in parts of Katsina State.
The suspect was intercepted at a busy motor park in Kano State during an intelligence-led operation.
Security sources revealed that she had just taken delivery of a consignment of ammunition from Nasarawa State and was preparing to transport it onward to Katsina when she was arrested.
The operation also led to the recovery of about 200 rounds of newly purchased ammunition, cleverly concealed inside bags of garri and rice in an attempt to evade security checks.
According to DSS officials, the arrest followed actionable intelligence that pointed to a coordinated arms supply network moving illegal weapons across state lines.
The suspect, identified as a native of Zango village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, was placed under surveillance before being intercepted at Unguwa Uku motor park.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the case is part of a broader ammunition trafficking operation that feeds armed groups operating within forested areas of Kankara.
Authorities believe the syndicate relies on unsuspecting transport routes and concealed packaging methods to avoid detection while moving weapons across states.
During interrogation, Usman reportedly confessed that the ammunition originated from Lafia in Nasarawa State and was destined for delivery points in Kano before being moved into Katsina.
She admitted that she had been active in the illicit trade for approximately two months, describing a structured system of suppliers and receivers linked to armed groups.
The DSS confirmed that her arrest represents a critical breakthrough in disrupting ongoing Katsina terrorism support chains that rely heavily on clandestine logistics.
Investigators are now working to trace other collaborators allegedly involved in the movement and distribution of weapons.
Further revelations from the suspect indicate that she was allegedly introduced into the network by a Kano-based livestock trader identified as Sulaiman.
She also claimed that a man known as “Teso,” who she alleged operates with the support of a soldier stationed in Lafia, coordinated the supply of ammunition to her.
Authorities say the suspect further disclosed that she delivered consignments to a known bandit figure identified as Mallam Haruna, who is believed to operate within the Kankara forest.
She also mentioned other individuals, including Buba and Abu, who were allegedly part of the receiving end of the arms supply network.
Investigators estimate that transactions involving the suspect may have reached about ₦5 million over the two-month period, indicating a sustained pattern of banditry financing through illegal arms distribution channels.
The DSS noted that the suspect’s method involved hiding ammunition inside everyday household goods such as rice and garri, a tactic aimed at avoiding detection during routine security checks at motor parks and checkpoints.
This method, officials say, highlights the increasing sophistication of ammunition trafficking syndicates operating within the region.
Security analysts say the case underscores the evolving nature of insecurity in northern Nigeria, where criminal networks are increasingly relying on civilians to facilitate logistics, thereby complicating enforcement efforts.
The DSS believes dismantling such networks will significantly weaken armed groups operating in forested enclaves.
Usman, meanwhile, expressed remorse during questioning, stating that she regretted her involvement and had not anticipated being caught.
She admitted that the exposure of her activities marked the end of her participation in the illicit trade.
The DSS confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network and establish the full extent of the arms supply network linked to the suspect.
Officials also stated that she will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
As part of broader security efforts, agencies are intensifying surveillance across key transport routes believed to be used for ammunition trafficking, particularly between Nasarawa, Kano, and Katsina corridors.
The case continues to highlight concerns around porous logistics channels exploited by criminal groups, reinforcing the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration in tackling Katsina terrorism and its enabling structures.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress and additional arrests are made.
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