The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a consignment of firearms and ammunition allegedly brought into Nigeria from the Niger Republic through Sokoto State.

Gists9ja reported that the operation was carried out on Tuesday at Dawakawa in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where operatives recovered 21 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns and 825 magazines.

The weapons were reportedly moved across remote routes on camels in an attempt to escape security surveillance. The operation followed intelligence gathering on suspected arms trafficking networks, according to the publication, which cited security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama.

In a separate operation in Zamfara State, DSS operatives reportedly arrested Hafsat Umar in Talata Mafara Local Government Area with 12 grenades and two ammunition belts.

Umar was suspected of procuring ammunition for a bandit leader, Saidu Marafa, in Maradun Local Government Area. A security source said she would be charged to court.