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Security operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have dismantled a suspected arms trafficking corridor spanning parts of Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West, following a coordinated operation that led to the rescue of three kidnapped church members.
The security breakthrough came days after two pastors and a church assistant were seized while travelling for a wedding engagement, raising fresh concerns about clerics being targeted along inter-state routes.
Those rescued include Reverend Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu, who were abducted on January 9 while transiting from Gwagwada in Kaduna State toward Sarkin Pawa in Niger State.
The victims were reportedly intercepted by armed men along the Kugosi axis.
However, intelligence-driven operations by the DSS in Niger State led to their recovery, with officials confirming that the victims were found alive in a forest hideout during a wider security sweep.
Speaking after receiving the freed victims in Kaduna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, described the rescue as timely and reassuring.
“This intervention has lifted a heavy burden off the families and the wider Christian community,” Hayab said.
“It also reinforces confidence that coordinated security action can bring results, even in difficult terrain.”
Hayab further stressed that community cooperation remains critical in tackling insecurity, warning that criminal groups often exploit social divisions to operate undetected.
Meanwhile, the rescue operation opened a new security trail. DSS operatives from Niger and Kaduna commands subsequently arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the movement of arms and ammunition across the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna corridor.
Security sources said the arrests followed intelligence gathered during the hostage rescue, suggesting a link between kidnapping routes and illicit arms distribution networks.
One of the suspects, identified as Kwalo, reportedly disclosed that ammunition was concealed in commercial transport vehicles and moved through motor parks and rural paths to bypass checkpoints.
According to investigators, a key handover allegedly took place at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State.
The consignment was later moved through Katsina State, specifically to Sabuwa Local Government Area, using back routes designed to avoid security surveillance, before being delivered to an unidentified recipient.
During interrogation, Kwalo claimed he was deceived about the nature of the package.
“I was told it was tantalite hidden in sacks of millet to prevent theft,” he reportedly said, adding that he had no knowledge it contained ammunition.
Investigators disclosed that payments linked to the operation ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦50,000, depending on each suspect’s role in the supply chain.
Reacting to the development, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said the operation underscored the growing resolve of security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating across state lines.
“This sends a strong signal that inter-state crime will no longer be tolerated,” Shuaibu said.
“Our administration will continue to support intelligence-led operations to keep our communities safe.”
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, emphasising that public cooperation remains a vital component of sustainable security efforts across the region.