The Department of State Services (DSS) says its operatives have dismantled an alleged arms supply network believed to be connected to recent attacks in Plateau State and surrounding regions, leading to the arrest of a suspected arms manufacturer.
In a statement released on Sunday, the intelligence agency said the suspect had been involved in producing and distributing weapons and ammunition to armed groups responsible for violent assaults across Plateau and other northern states.
The arrest took place on November 12, 2025, after actionable intelligence guided operatives to his workshop located in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
During the operation, the DSS recovered various components used in assembling improvised explosive devices, as well as chemicals and equipment allegedly used in weapons fabrication.
According to the statement, “Operatives of the Department of State Services have successfully disrupted a high target arms supply network linked to terrorist activities in Plateau and neighbouring states. The operation led to the arrest of Musa Abubakar, a key arms dealer, following precise intelligence on November 12, 2025.”
The agency added that the suspect confessed to manufacturing and supplying high-grade weapons and ammunition to criminal groups implicated in a series of deadly attacks in Plateau and other northern regions. His arrest, it noted, followed detailed intelligence-gathering efforts that culminated in a targeted raid on his workshop.
The DSS further recalled its recent success in re-arresting Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, an escapee from Kuje Prison who had been accused of involvement in the Owo and Deeper Life Church attacks.
The secret service had earlier announced the arrest of nine additional suspects, including 46-year-old Timna Manjol, linked to various security breaches.
What You Should Know
The DSS has intensified its operations against armed networks fueling violence across northern Nigeria. The arrest of Musa Abubakar and the discovery of his weapons workshop underscore the scale of local arms production sustaining criminal activities.
Coupled with the recent capture of high-profile fugitives, the agency’s actions highlight a strategic push to disrupt supply chains, degrade operational capabilities of armed groups, and curb the escalating wave of insecurity in the region.
