The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended five suspected arms traffickers, including two nationals of Niger Republic, believed to be part of a network supplying weapons to gunmen involved in the mass abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects were arrested during a series of intelligence-led operations that also led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.
Among those arrested are Yusuf Mohammed, also known as Bature, and Mubarak Ibrahim. Mohammed is said to be on the security watchlist as a wanted member of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram.
According to the sources, both men were intercepted along the Zaria-Kaduna highway while allegedly travelling to collect a consignment of arms on behalf of their commanders.
Further investigations reportedly led operatives to Goni Ibrahim, identified as an international arms courier from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic, and his associate, Tukur Sani.
The two men were arrested in possession of a large quantity of weapons concealed inside a blue vehicle. Recovered items included 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Security officials said the operation continued with the arrest of another suspected member of the arms supply network, Alhaji Adamu, also known as Gado Banufe, in Yauri, Kebbi State.
Adamu is alleged to have coordinated the movement of weapons within parts of Kebbi and neighbouring areas.
Preliminary findings from the investigation, according to the sources, indicate that the five suspects played key roles in delivering weapons to the armed group responsible for the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in November 2025.
The attack occurred in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when heavily armed gunmen riding motorcycles invaded the Catholic boarding school located in Papiri village, Niger State.
The assailants reportedly rounded up students and teachers at gunpoint before taking them into captivity.
Although around 50 students escaped during the confusion that followed the attack, more than 250 others were forced into the Kainji Lake National Park area, where they were held for several weeks.
The abduction triggered nationwide concern and intensified calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and students from criminal attacks.
On December 21, 2025, federal and Niger State authorities announced the successful rescue and return of the remaining 130 captives, confirming that all the abducted pupils had regained their freedom.