Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man authorities describe as a major arms supplier to armed groups operating in Plateau State and other parts of northern Nigeria, security sources said.
The suspect, identified as Musa Abubakar, was detained on Nov. 12 following what officials called “precise intelligence” that led security operatives to his alleged weapons manufacturing workshop in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A DSS source said Abubakar confessed to producing and distributing high-calibre weapons and ammunition to armed groups responsible for violent attacks in Plateau and neighbouring regions.
He was arrested with components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), chemicals and various equipment, all of which were seized during the raid, the source added.
The arrest comes days after the security agency recaptured Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, a fugitive from the 2022 Kuje prison break who has been linked to deadly attacks on churches in Owo and at Deeper Life.
The DSS has recently reported a series of breakthroughs in counterterrorism operations, including the arrest of nine high-profile suspects connected to attacks in Plateau and Benue states. Among them is Timna Manjol, 46, who has pleaded guilty to two firearms-related charges in a case before a federal court in Abuja.
