The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two foreign nationals from Niger Republic, over their alleged involvement in the November 2025 attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
The attack led to the abduction of nearly 300 students and staff, making it one of the most severe mass kidnapping incidents in the state.
Arrests and weapons recovery
Security sources said the suspects were arrested during intelligence-led operations that also led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Among those arrested were Yusuf Mohammed, also known as Bature, reportedly on the wanted list of Boko Haram, and his associate, Mubarak Ibrahim.
The duo was intercepted along the Zaria–Kaduna Highway while allegedly en route to collect arms for terrorist commanders.
Cross-border arms network uncovered
Further operations led to the arrest of Goni Ibrahim, identified as an international arms courier from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic, alongside another suspect linked to the network.
Security operatives also arrested another suspect, Alhaji Adamu, popularly known as Gado Banufe, in Yauri, Kebbi State, over alleged arms supply activities.
Investigations suggest the suspects played key roles in supplying weapons used in the Papiri school attack.
Background of the attack
On November 21, 2025, armed men stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in the early hours, abducting students and teachers after shooting sporadically.
About 50 pupils reportedly escaped during the attack, while over 250 were taken into the Kainji Lake National Park forest.
Authorities later confirmed that all abducted victims were rescued and reunited with their families in December 2025 after weeks in captivity.
Security response
The latest arrests are expected to strengthen ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle arms trafficking networks and prosecute those linked to the attack.
Officials say investigations are ongoing as authorities continue tracking cross-border supply routes used by criminal groups.