DSS Arrests Major Arms Supplier in Plateau State as High-Profile Crackdowns Intensify Across Northern Nigeria
By naijajistreal96
The Department of State Services (DSS) has recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of Musa Abubakar, a suspected top-level arms manufacturer and supplier linked to various violent groups operating in Plateau State and other northern regions. His arrest, which occurred on November 12, 2025, followed months of coordinated intelligence gathering, undercover surveillance, and strategic planning aimed at dismantling the networks that produce and distribute illegal firearms across Nigeria.
Security officials revealed that Abubakar was apprehended during a targeted raid on his arms-production workshop situated in the Mista Ali community of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. The operatives stormed the hideout after receiving precise intelligence that he was actively manufacturing high-caliber weapons for distribution. During the operation, the DSS reportedly found him in the middle of fabricating components used in building improvised explosive devices, as well as modifying rifles and other weapons supplied to armed groups known to be responsible for destabilizing communities in Plateau and neighboring states.
Materials recovered from the hideout included IED components, a wide range of chemicals used in explosive production, advanced machinery for crafting firearm parts, and various tools that demonstrate the sophisticated nature of his operation. According to a DSS source, Abubakar admitted during interrogation that he had been manufacturing and distributing weapons for years. His customer base allegedly includes several violent groups involved in attacks across Plateau, Benue, Bauchi, and Kaduna, further solidifying fears that illegal arms production remains one of the core drivers of insecurity in the northern region.
The arrest of Abubakar is part of a wider series of operations that the DSS has conducted in recent months. These operations have resulted in the capture of several high-profile criminals, including Abdulazeez Obadaki, widely known as Bomboy. Bomboy has long been a fugitive since the infamous Kuje Prison jailbreak and has been linked to the Owo Church attack and the attack on a Deeper Life Church, both of which shook public confidence in national security. His recapture was celebrated as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Beyond Abubakar and Bomboy, the DSS reports that it has detained nine other major suspects associated with coordinated violent attacks in Plateau and Benue States. One of these individuals, 46-year-old Timna Manjol, affiliated with First Baptist Church in Mangu LGA, Plateau State, has already pleaded guilty to two out of four charges relating to the illegal possession of firearms. His case, registered under FHC/ABJ/CR/451/2025, is among the examples used to highlight the legal follow-through that security agencies are now emphasizing to ensure that major suspects face justice swiftly.
The implications of these arrests extend far beyond the individuals involved. Security analysts point out that removing an arms manufacturer from circulation disrupts the supply chain that fuels criminal and extremist activities across several states. The availability of weapons—especially locally produced ones—has long been identified as a critical factor enabling the frequent clashes, armed robberies, kidnappings, and terror attacks that have destabilized Plateau and other regions. The neutralization of Abubakar’s operations is therefore not just a tactical victory but a strategic one.
Furthermore, these events mark a turning point in the public perception of the DSS and other security agencies. For years, Nigerians have voiced concerns about worsening insecurity, sometimes expressing doubts about the effectiveness of national intelligence operations. Recent successes, however, have begun to restore confidence. The coordinated raids, rapid responses, and improved intelligence-gathering techniques suggest a significant shift in strategy—one that prioritizes precision, speed, and deep infiltration of criminal networks.
While these developments are celebrated, experts caution that much still needs to be done to ensure lasting security. The proliferation of weapons in Nigeria is not limited to one manufacturer or one cell. Illegal arms markets, cross-border trafficking routes, and local blacksmiths all play roles in feeding the cycle of violence. As such, the DSS is expected to intensify its surveillance and expand its scope beyond urban centers into remote communities where weapons may be produced, stored, or distributed.
The public reaction to these events has been largely positive. For communities in Plateau State, where violent attacks have disrupted peace for years, the arrest of a key arms supplier brings hope that the intensity and frequency of attacks may decline. Families who have endured loss, displacement, and destruction see these security breakthroughs as steps toward healing and stability.
In the broader national context, Nigerians continue to call for long-term solutions that address not just the symptoms but the roots of insecurity. Economic hardship, limited employment opportunities, ethno-religious tensions, and political manipulation have all contributed to the rise of armed groups. Tackling these issues, alongside increased security interventions, is essential for sustainable peace.
Meanwhile, social media platforms remain active with various narratives, from motivational posts to political statements. A viral post by user @lynn130415, featuring a luxury Mercedes-Benz SUV and urging followers to congratulate themselves with faith, generated significant buzz. Similarly, Elon Musk’s emphatic “Never” in response to a political post discussing U.S. border policies stirred international debate. These online conversations, though separate from Nigeria’s security concerns, illustrate the diversity of global discourse and the powerful influence of digital platforms on public opinion.
National media organizations, including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), have continued to spotlight the strides made by the DSS. Commentators and security experts have encouraged the government to sustain the momentum by increasing funding for intelligence operations, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and equipping security personnel with modern technology. Calls have also been made for stronger legal reforms that ensure cases involving weapons manufacturers, financiers, and extremist collaborators move swiftly through the courts.
Looking ahead, Nigeria’s path to improved security will depend on consistent action and strategic planning. Continued vigilance, community engagement, economic reforms, and judicial efficiency must all work in harmony. While the arrest of Musa Abubakar and others is a major victory, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle.
In conclusion, the recent developments represent a crucial advancement in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and armed violence. The DSS’s success in arresting a suspected major arms producer, alongside the capture of notorious figures like Bomboy and other high-profile suspects, shows that progress is possible when intelligence and action align effectively. As the nation watches closely, there is renewed hope that Nigeria is gradually moving toward a safer, more secure future—one where the threat of illegal weapons and coordinated attacks is significantly reduced, and peace becomes a reality for communities long affected by unrest.
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