Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected arms courier in Kano State while transporting weapons allegedly destined for a notorious bandit leader operating in Zamfara State.

According to an operational report, the suspect was apprehended on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano following intelligence-led surveillance. He was reportedly moving the weapons from Maigatari in Jigawa State to Funtua, Katsina State, for onward delivery to criminal elements.

Items recovered from the suspect included three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes and warheads, as well as two empty magazines.

Investigators said the suspect confessed to being hired to transport the weapons and was promised N450,000 upon successful delivery. Preliminary findings linked the arms consignment to a suspected bandit kingpin operating in parts of Zamfara State.

The DSS described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in efforts to disrupt arms supply networks supporting banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in the North-West. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network, while the suspect remains in custody pending possible prosecution.