The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two nationals of Niger Republic, over their alleged involvement in the abduction of nearly 300 students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.

Security sources said the suspects were part of a network that supplied weapons to the armed group responsible for the November 21, 2025 attack on the school, one of the largest mass kidnappings in the state. Recovered from the suspects were 15 AK-47 rifles and 1,434 rounds of ammunition.

Those arrested include Yusuf Mohammed, also known as Bature, alleged to be on a wanted list for Boko Haram membership, and Mubarak Ibrahim. Both were reportedly intercepted along the Zaria–Kaduna Highway while en route to collect weapons for their commanders.

Further intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of Goni Ibrahim, described as a cross-border arms courier from Niger Republic, alongside his associate Tukur Sani. Another suspect, Alhaji Adamu, also known as Gado Banufe, was later picked up in Yauri, Kebbi State, over alleged arms supply activities in the region.

Authorities said preliminary investigations suggest all five suspects acted as logistical support for the gunmen who stormed the school, forcing hundreds of pupils and teachers into the Kainji Lake forest area.

Although more than 250 victims were initially abducted, security agencies confirmed that all remaining captives were eventually rescued and reunited with their families in December 2025.