DSS intercepts weapons smuggled on camels from Niger Republic into Sokoto

The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a large consignment of weapons and ammunition allegedly being smuggled from Niger Republic to armed bandits in north-west Nigeria.
What was seized
According to security sources quoted in reports on Thursday, 12 November 2026, the interception took place on Tuesday, 10 November, at Dawakawa in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Operatives reportedly recovered 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines. The suspected smugglers were said to have been using camels to move the weapons along remote routes to avoid detection.
Why it matters
Security analysts described the seizure as a significant blow to an alleged cross-border arms supply network that is suspected of arming bandit groups in the North-West. The use of camels shows how criminal networks are using unconventional methods to move weapons across the long, porous border with Niger. Some reports described the operation as foiling a major terror plot.
Arrests
It is not clear whether any suspects were arrested.
- 21 AK-47 rifles and four machine guns were seized.
- The weapons were allegedly moved on camels.
- The seizure was in Goronyo, Sokoto State.
