The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two foreign nationals from Niger Republic, in connection with the November 2025 abduction of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.

Security sources disclosed that the suspects were allegedly involved in supplying weapons and ammunition to the gunmen responsible for the mass kidnapping. Recovered during the operation were 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Among those arrested are Yusuf Mohammed, also known as Bature, a suspected Boko Haram member on a security watchlist, and Mubarak Ibrahim. The duo was intercepted along the Zaria-Kaduna highway while allegedly en route to receive a consignment of arms for terrorist commanders.

Subsequent investigations led operatives to arrest Goni Ibrahim, described as an international arms courier from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic, along with his associate, Tukur Sani. The weapons and ammunition were reportedly concealed in a blue vehicle used by the suspects.

In a related operation, DSS operatives arrested another alleged member of the syndicate, Alhaji Adamu, popularly known as Gado Banufe, in Yauri, Kebbi State. He is suspected of supplying arms to criminal groups operating within the Kebbi axis.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the five suspects served as logistics and arms suppliers to the gunmen who attacked the Catholic boarding school in Papiri on November 21, 2025.

The attack saw dozens of armed men on motorcycles invade the school and abduct nearly 300 pupils and teachers. While some victims escaped during the raid, more than 250 captives were taken into the Kainji Lake Reserve forest. Government authorities later confirmed the rescue and safe return of all remaining captives by December 21, 2025.