Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has hailed the Department of State Services (DSS) for intercepting a large shipment of arms and ammunition meant for criminal elements in the state, emphasizing that banditry is on the decline due to sustained security operations.
The DSS Director in Zamfara showcased the seized weapons at the Government House in Gusau on Tuesday, revealing a deadly cache that included a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), two machine guns, nine AK-47 rifles, two pistols, 19 magazines, and over a thousand rounds of live ammunition.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the suspect behind the arms smuggling was tracked by DSS operatives from the Niger Republic before being apprehended along the Zurmi-Kaura Namoda highway.
Governor Lawal, while inspecting the intercepted weapons, lauded the security forces for their relentless efforts in combating insurgency and crime in Zamfara.
“I must commend the DSS, the military, and the police for successfully executing such a big arrest,” the governor stated.
“These successes are a result of the collaboration and support provided by the Zamfara State government to all security agencies.”
He reassured security personnel of continued government support, urging the people of Zamfara to assist the forces in their mission to eradicate banditry.
Governor Dauda also revealed a concerning trend, noting that many criminals fueling insecurity in the state are local residents rather than foreign infiltrators.
“This arrested individual is not the only one. We have had more arrests in the last few weeks, but this is the one we are making public,” he revealed. “Banditry is declining in Zamfara. We have seen the progress, and we urge our citizens to remain vigilant and support security operations.”
