Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected gun courier, Muhammad Abubakar, in Kano State while allegedly transporting arms to Funtua in neighbouring Katsina State.
The 30-year-old suspect was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area following intelligence reports, according to the DSS.
Parading the suspect before journalists at the agency’s Kano State Command, security officials said Abubakar was intercepted with four Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines.
The DSS said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who works as a transporter, was allegedly conveying the weapons from the Maigatari border area in Jigawa State to an undisclosed recipient in Funtua, an area affected by insecurity.
According to the agency, the suspect confessed that he collected the weapons from a man identified as Bello and was promised N450,000 upon successful delivery of the items.
Speaking to journalists, Abubakar claimed it was his first involvement in such an operation.
He said he is from Mokwa in Niger State and works as a transporter conveying passengers between Kano, Abuja and Mokwa.
According to him, Bello repeatedly persuaded him to transport the weapons before he eventually agreed.
The suspect stated that he met Bello for the first time when he travelled to collect the arms, adding that he was arrested while transporting them to Funtua.
He also admitted knowing that the weapons could be used for criminal activities but said he accepted the job because of the promised payment.
The DSS said the suspect would be prosecuted, while efforts are ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies to track down and arrest his alleged accomplice and other members of the network.
(The Whistler)