From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their effective efforts in dismantling a gunrunning syndicate and recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition through coordinated covert operations in the state.
The governor described the successful sting operation as a major advancement in the ongoing security reforms under his administration’s Kaduna Peace Model.
He emphasized that there would be no refuge for bandits, arms traffickers, or their collaborators.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), Sani stated that the operation demonstrates the efficacy of Kaduna’s peace framework, which is based on intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement, yielding tangible results.
“There may be some individuals attempting to undermine the government’s efforts, but the DSS in Kaduna has performed exceptionally well. This is the type of result we observe when institutions work together,” he remarked.
The governor commended the collaboration among security agencies, highlighting that sustained teamwork has positioned Kaduna as one of the most stable states in the Northwest. “His Excellency has consistently supported all security agencies, and that collaboration is proving effective,” he added.
Sani reiterated that the Kaduna Peace Model is both preventive and proactive, blending non-kinetic engagement with actionable intelligence. He mentioned that this approach has significantly reduced crime rates and is now being studied by other states as a model for peace and stability.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Director-General of the DSS for enhancing the state’s security framework, noting the improved coordination and operational efficiency witnessed under their leadership.
The governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies. “When you see something, say something. Your identity will be protected. Together, we will keep Kaduna safe,” he assured.
According to reports, the DSS arrested three individuals linked to a major gunrunning network supplying weapons to bandit groups in the North. The suspects were apprehended during separate covert operations in Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas.
The first suspect, aged 30, was intercepted along Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass in Igabi while transporting arms concealed in sacks of maize. Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, 220 rounds of live ammunition, and four empty magazines. Two additional suspects, aged 44 and 38, were later arrested along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway with three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and ₦69,050 hidden in their vehicle.
Investigations revealed that the weapons were intended for a notorious bandit network in Niger State, with Kaduna serving as a transit route. Security sources indicated that the DSS is intensifying efforts to track down other members of the syndicate and dismantle their operations across the Northwest.
The source also noted that President Tinubu has instructed the Service to dismantle the entire gunrunning network, including its sources and the bandits receiving the arms.
