KEY POINTS
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DSS arrested two suspected arms couriers in Gombe, seizing two RPG warheads, an RPG launcher, and other items linked to bandit networks.
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A six-year-old boy kidnapped under the guise of a motorcycle lesson was rescued, and the kidnapper was arrested.
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The suspects are now in DSS custody and will be arraigned in court, reflecting intensified security efforts to curb arms trafficking and kidnapping in northern Nigeria.
Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have arrested two men suspected of transporting illegal arms and rescued a kidnapped six-year-old boy in Gombe State.
The suspects, Muhammed Alhaji Mohammed, 55, and Sani Gesha, 47, were intercepted at Mararaban Tula in Kaltungo Local Government Area while travelling in a grey Toyota Corolla with registration number Taraba JAL475YQ.
The DSS had been monitoring the suspects for over three weeks before moving in. Investigations revealed that the arms were intended for a delivery to one Ardo Hamma Ari, a resident of Kukawa Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area, Bauchi State. Seized items included two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) warheads, an RPG launcher, and other materials linked to bandit networks.
Kidnapped boy rescued in swift operation
In a related operation, DSS operatives rescued Mohammed Jabir, a six-year-old boy who had been kidnapped in Gyada Village, Talase, in Balanga Local Government Area. The boy was reportedly lured under the pretext of being taught how to ride a motorcycle by the kidnapper, Salisu Hussain, who was also arrested.
Mohammed was safely returned to his parents, who expressed their gratitude to the DSS for the prompt intervention. The suspects are currently in DSS custody and are expected to be arraigned in court soon.
This operation highlights the ongoing challenges of arms trafficking and bandit-related crimes in northern Nigeria. Security agencies have increasingly stepped up intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks and prevent the flow of illegal weapons that fuel violent crimes.
