Massive Arms Discovery at Former AGF Malami’s Kebbi Home Sparks DSS Investigation and National Outcry
In a dramatic development that has gripped Nigeria’s political and security landscape, a cache of arms and ammunition was discovered at the Kebbi residence of former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN — prompting a fresh investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The startling news, first widely reported on January 12, 2026, reveals that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovered a significant number of weapons and ammunition during a search of Malami’s country home in Birnin Kebbi. While the exact inventory has not yet been publicly released, multiple online sources describe the quantity as large enough to trigger a comprehensive DSS probe rather than a routine criminal inquiry.
What Was Discovered — And Who’s Investigating
According to reports from The Nation, TVC News, Nigerianeye.com, and NaijaNews.com, the EFCC — which primarily investigates financial crimes — encountered a cache of arms and ammunition that falls outside its statutory mandate. Consequently, the agency handed over the recovered weapons to the DSS for in‑depth national security investigations.
Security sources quoted in multiple outlets suggest the DSS is examining whether the weapons entail national security risks, including possible links to unlawful possession, criminal networks, or arms proliferation. Authorities have not yet provided a public inventory of the specific weapon types, calibres, or quantities involved.
This development comes amid an ongoing legal battle involving Malami on charges unrelated to weapon possession — including alleged financial crimes — where he was recently granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja. However, he remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre after failing to perfect bail conditions.
Bail Delay and DSS Deployment
Interestingly, some sources say Malami has deliberately slowed down the processing of his bail due to the looming threat of being re‑arrested by DSS operatives once released. Security personnel were reportedly deployed around the Kuje facility in anticipation of possible enforcement action connected to the weapons discovery.
As of this writing, the former AGF and his legal team have not publicly responded to the weapons discovery or the DSS investigation.
Context: Larger Legal and Political Battles
Abubakar Malami is no stranger to legal and political turbulence. Over the past year, he has faced a profusion of allegations, including money laundering, abuse of office, terrorism financing, and other financial offences, though Malami has publicly denied these claims, insisting they are politically motivated and unfounded.
In December 2025, TheCable reported Malami was held in EFCC custody amid probes of alleged financial misconduct, including the controversial handling of recovered Abacha funds and suspected irregular disbursements in government programmes.
Additionally, a Federal High Court recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami and his associates, with authorities valuing the assets at billions of naira across multiple states, including Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna. These forfeiture proceedings are part of broader asset recovery efforts tied to the ongoing fraud case against him.
Security Implications and National Reaction
The discovery of weapons in the residence of a former attorney‑general has raised major security concerns across Nigeria. Analysts note that the illegal possession of arms fuels insecurity, crime, and violence, particularly in regions already affected by banditry, insurgency and organised crime. While authorities have been aggressively seizing illicit weapons across the country, including operations by the Nigerian military and intelligence services, the presence of such a cache in a high‑profile individual’s property is extraordinary and unusual.
What Happens Next?
The DSS investigation will likely determine whether the weapons implicate Malami in offences relating to arms trafficking, unlawful possession of military‑grade equipment, or national security violations. At the same time, it may form a critical piece of public discourse on accountability, transparency, and rule of law in Nigeria’s governance landscape.
As developments unfold, Nigerian citizens and international observers alike are watching closely — seeking clarity and justice in what has quickly become one of the most consequential legal and security stories of the year.
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