The Department of State Services (DSS) has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation into the shocking Papiri school abduction that left hundreds of students and staff in captivity last year.
Security operatives reportedly arrested five suspected arms traffickers believed to be linked to the gunmen who carried out the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
Among those arrested are two foreign nationals from neighbouring Niger Republic, raising fresh concerns about cross-border arms trafficking and its role in Nigeria’s growing insecurity challenges.
According to security sources, the suspects were allegedly involved in transporting weapons to criminal groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria.
The operation led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of live ammunition.
Investigators believe the recovered weapons were intended for armed groups responsible for several violent attacks in the region, including the mass abduction at the Catholic boarding school.
Sources revealed that two of the suspects were intercepted along the Zaria-Kaduna highway while allegedly travelling to receive a fresh consignment of weapons for their handlers.
The arrests reportedly opened the door to a wider investigation, leading security operatives to additional members of the alleged network and the eventual recovery of the weapons.
The Papiri school attack remains one of the most disturbing incidents in recent years.
On November 21, 2025, heavily armed gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School and abducted hundreds of students and staff, sparking nationwide outrage and fears over the safety of schools in vulnerable communities.
While dozens of pupils managed to escape during the attack, many others were forced deep into forest hideouts where they spent weeks in captivity.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians and reignited calls for stronger protection of schools across the country.
Authorities later confirmed that all remaining captives were successfully rescued and reunited with their families after weeks of intense security operations.
The latest arrests are being viewed as a significant step toward dismantling the networks that supply weapons to criminal gangs and terrorist groups responsible for kidnappings and attacks on schools.
Security agencies have yet to release further details as investigations continue.
