The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two foreign nationals from Niger Republic, in a major counter-terrorism operation linked to recent mass abductions in Nigeria.

The suspects are allegedly connected to a Boko Haram faction involved in the kidnapping of over 300 students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, in November 2025, as well as similar attacks in parts of Oyo State.

According to security sources, the arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led operations across multiple locations. Key suspects, including Yusuf Mohammed (also known as Bature) and Mubarak Ibrahim, were intercepted along the Zaria–Kaduna highway while allegedly transporting weapons intended for insurgent groups.

Further operations led to the arrest of additional suspects, including Goni Ibrahim from Niger Republic and Tukur Sani, with authorities recovering 15 AK-103/AK-47 rifles, 15 magazines, and over 1,400 rounds of ammunition concealed in a vehicle.

DSS officials say the suspects played key roles in a wider logistics and arms supply network supporting the attackers behind the Papiri abduction. The November 2025 incident saw heavily armed gunmen storm the school and abduct over 300 students and staff, triggering a nationwide security response and international concern.

While many of the victims have since been rescued or released, investigations are ongoing to dismantle remaining terror cells and disrupt their supply chains.