In a daring operation by Nigerian military forces, a woman identified as Shamsiyya has been arrested in Zamfara State while attempting to transport a significant cache of ammunition to an undisclosed militant hideout. The arrest, which occurred at a routine checkpoint, has shed new light on the increasingly sophisticated ways insurgents are using civilians, often under duress, to further their deadly agenda.
Shamsiyya, a married woman from Yammacin in Gusau, was apprehended by troops manning the checkpoint along a major road in the region. She was carrying a concealed package, which upon inspection, was found to contain large quantities of ammunition. Initial investigations reveal that she had been instructed to deliver the ammunition from the Hanka area to a suspected terrorist stronghold.
A “Deadly Delivery” Gone Wrong
The shocking turn of events unfolded when the woman, visibly shaken, was detained by soldiers. A video, which was later obtained by SaharaReporters, shows her making a tearful confession of her role in the illegal operation. In the video, Shamsiyya admits she had no prior knowledge of the contents of the package, claiming she was simply a messenger.
“My name is Shamsiyya,” she says, nervously looking into the camera. “I am married to Umar, and I have never seen this kind of ammunition before today.”
When asked to explain how she came into possession of the deadly cargo, Shamsiyya’s narrative suggests that she had been approached by an unnamed man, whom she described as a Hausa-speaking individual. She told investigators that she was offered transport fare to deliver the mysterious package but had no knowledge of its contents or its intended use.
“I was just told to deliver it to someone. I don’t even know who the person is or what was inside the package,” she stated. “I know it can kill, but I was only told to deliver it, and I trusted the person who gave it to me.”
A Glimpse into Terrorist Operations
Shamsiyya’s arrest has raised concerns about the growing use of women in the logistics operations of terrorist groups in the region. Over the past few years, the conflict in Zamfara has seen a troubling increase in the recruitment of civilians, often under duress, for various roles in the insurgency’s supply chains. The insurgents, believed to be heavily influenced by various extremist groups, have long been known to exploit vulnerable civilians to carry out their illicit activities.
Security sources suggest that while the full extent of the network that Shamsiyya was involved with remains unclear, the operation is a critical blow to the insurgency’s efforts to smuggle arms and ammunition into the region. Zamfara has long been a hotspot for banditry and terrorism, with criminal elements using remote areas to plan and execute attacks on both civilians and military targets.
“The ammunition seized could have been used to carry out another deadly attack on innocent civilians or security personnel. This is why we are so committed to stopping these kinds of operations before they escalate,” said a senior military official involved in the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
He further explained that such checkpoints and operations are part of a broader strategy to curb the flow of weapons and supplies to terror groups, which are increasingly using local residents to transport arms, explosives, and other materials across state borders.
Shamsiyya’s Plea: Was She Complicit?
During her interrogation, Shamsiyya insisted that she had no ill intentions. In a teary exchange, she explained how the man who gave her the package had convinced her to carry it without knowing its true nature.
“I know the ammunition can kill someone, but I didn’t know what was inside the package. I have two kids, and I don’t want them to be harmed,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. “I was just trying to help my family, and that’s why I agreed to deliver it.”
However, the military has raised doubts about her innocence. According to intelligence officials, such smuggling operations are rarely undertaken without the full knowledge of the individuals involved, and it is suspected that she may have been either willingly or unwillingly complicit in the larger scheme.
“While we understand that she may have been coerced, the fact remains that she was caught in possession of illegal ammunition meant for terrorists,” another military source noted. “We cannot rule out the possibility that she was a part of a larger logistical network. We are continuing our investigation into the matter.”
Women and the War: A Growing Concern
The involvement of women in insurgent activities is not unique to Zamfara or Nigeria. Across the globe, militant organizations have increasingly turned to women to carry out a range of tasks, from recruiting other women to transporting weapons and explosives. In Zamfara, where insurgency-related violence has caused immense suffering, such cases have raised alarms among security forces and policymakers.
In her confession, Shamsiyya acknowledged that while she was unaware of the specifics of her mission, the fact that she was carrying such dangerous materials indicates a level of involvement that cannot be ignored.
“Whether she knew what she was carrying or not, the fact is that she was involved in a terrorist plot,” said Aisha Ibrahim, a security expert based in Abuja. “This case highlights the desperate tactics used by insurgents to avoid detection, often hiding behind innocent civilians. Women are becoming key players in these operations, either through coercion or through voluntary involvement.”
The Path Forward: Probing the Network
In the aftermath of Shamsiyya’s arrest, the military is focusing on unraveling the broader terrorist network operating in Zamfara. Authorities believe that there are still many more individuals involved in such operations, and the arrest of one woman may be just the tip of the iceberg.
