Traditional rulers in Zamfara State have expressed strong appreciation for the Department of State Services (DSS) following a series of successful operations in the region. Their praise was particularly directed at the recent arrest of two arms couriers along the Funtua-Gusau expressway.
The Emir of Anka, Dr. Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, who also chairs the State Council of Chiefs, conveyed the royal endorsement. “We are very pleased with the DSS for the recent capture of two notorious arms couriers along the Funtua-Gusau road,” he said.
The monarchs shared that the arrested individuals were en route to supply a consignment of dangerous weaponry to a well-known bandit operating in Kwara State. “We gathered that the duo were on their way to supply five AK-47 rifles and several rounds of high-calibre ammunition to one notorious bandit who is based in Kwara State,” the Emir continued.
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He further commended the DSS for delivering a major blow to the activities of bandits wreaking havoc in the region, emphasising the broader implications of the arrest.
“The arrest by the DSS, no doubt, has dealt a very heavy blow to the activities of these bandits who have been causing us sleepless nights. The arrest also sends a clear message to criminals that the DSS and other security agencies are on top of their game, and, insha Allah, we shall win this fight against banditry,” the Emir declared.
According to security sources, the DSS operation led to the seizure of five AK-47 rifles, 30 rounds of live ammunition, 10 walkie-talkies, and a sum of N156,000 in cash, along with rifle butts. This significant recovery is seen as a major step in reducing the influx of illegal weapons to criminal elements in the state.
Zamfara State has long been at the centre of escalating criminality in the northwest, with armed bandits continuing to terrorise local communities. Just hours before the monarchs’ statement, suspected bandits launched an attack on a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, located in the Tsafe Local Government Area, kidnapping around 40 worshippers.
In response to the growing insecurity, the Zamfara State House of Assembly convened a special session last month, where lawmakers called for swift intervention from the federal government to curb the worsening situation.
