The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered an alleged international arms trafficking operation in Sokoto State, recovering 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines.
The weapons were intercepted at Dawakawa in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state following sustained intelligence surveillance targeting suspected arms traffickers.
The DSS disclosed this in a statement, expressing concern over the increasing use of female couriers by criminal networks to move illegal weapons across the country.
According to the Service, 14 women have been arrested between February 2025 and November 2026 across different states over alleged involvement in arms trafficking.
It also disclosed that its latest operation in Zamfara State led to the arrest of a suspected female arms courier found in possession of 12 grenades and two ammunition belts.
The agency said the development highlights the changing tactics adopted by illegal arms networks to evade security surveillance.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to dismantle arms trafficking networks and bring suspects involved in the illegal trade to justice.
