The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspects, including two Nigerien nationals, over their alleged role in supplying arms to gunmen involved in the Papiri school abduction in Niger State.
Security sources revealed that the suspects were linked to the November 21, 2025 attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri village, where nearly 300 students and staff were kidnapped.
According to reports, the suspects were apprehended in coordinated operations across Kaduna and Kebbi states.
One of the key suspects, Yusuf Mohammed, also known as “Bature,” is reportedly on the wanted list of a faction of Boko Haram. He was arrested alongside an accomplice, Mubarak Ibrahim, along the Zaria–Kaduna highway while allegedly en route to receive a weapons consignment.
A follow-up operation led to the arrest of two other suspects, Goni Ibrahim from Niger Republic’s Diffa region and Tukur Sani, who were found in possession of 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in a vehicle.
Another suspect, identified as Alhaji Adamu, also known as “Gado Banufe,” was later arrested in Yauri, Kebbi State for allegedly supplying arms within the region.
Investigations indicate that the arrested individuals functioned as arms couriers for the gunmen who carried out the mass abduction at the Catholic boarding school.
During the attack, dozens of students initially escaped, while over 250 were taken into the Kainji Lake Reserve forest. Authorities later confirmed the rescue of the remaining captives on December 21, 2025, bringing an end to the incident.