Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two suspected arms couriers in Gombe State and recovered rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) equipment allegedly linked to bandit networks operating in the North-East.
Security sources identified the suspects as Muhammed Alhaji Mohammed and Sani Gesha. They were intercepted at Mararaban Tula in Kaltungo Local Government Area while travelling in a grey Toyota Corolla with registration number Taraba JAL475YQ.
Items recovered from the vehicle include two RPG warheads, an RPG launcher, and other weapons and ammunition.
Sources said the arrests followed more than three weeks of covert surveillance targeting a suspected trafficking syndicate reportedly connected to a bandit cell led by a figure identified as Kachalla Gambo. The network is believed to operate across Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Adamawa states.
“The operation was professionally executed after weeks of monitoring the syndicate’s movements,” a security source said, adding that the suspects were apprehended with a significant cache of arms.
During preliminary investigations, the suspects allegedly confessed that the consignment was meant for delivery to a man identified as Ardo Hamma Ari, said to be a resident of Kukawa Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
In a related development, DSS operatives also rescued a six-year-old boy, Mohammed Jabir, at Gyada Village in Talase, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The suspects remain in DSS custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.