The Department of State Security (DSS) has disclosed that its mop-up operations aimed at degrading the capabilities of hoodlums, kidnappers and Boko Haram terrorists have led to the arrest of the kidnappers of two German nationals in Kaduna and a fleeing Boko Haram fighter with an AK-47 rifle in Ekiti State.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Tony Opuiyo, the DSS stated that it arrested over 20 members of the Boko Haram group, including those planning to unleash kidnapping, terror and robbery attacks on Abuja and its environs.
Opuiyo said, “Recent operations carried out by the DSS in various parts of the country have significantly degraded capabilities of hoodlums, especially kidnappers and terrorists, whose activities have continually threatened the peace.
“For instance, on March 20, 2017, a suspected Boko Haram kingpin, Adenoyi Abdulsalam, was arrested in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, by a joint military/DSS operation team. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the suspect, who is presently undergoing investigation.
“Abdulsalam was in the final stages of kidnapping some high level targets in Ekiti, not only to raise funds but also to terrorise communities in the state. Prior to this arrest, several other Boko Haram suspects had been apprehended in various parts of northern Nigeria, especially the states of Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Kogi.
“Typical cases of arrest include that of 29-year-old Boko Haram member, Usman Ladan Rawa (aka Mr. X), on March 17, 2017 at Lafia, Nasarawa State. Rawa was discovered to have rented accommodation at Lafia for Abdullahi Isa, known for his notorious terrorist actions.
“His plan was to establish an effective base to conduct terrorism, kidnapping and robbery in Abuja, Minna and other adjoining states. On March 15, 2017, Nasiru Sani (aka Osama) was arrested at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bauchi. He is a Boko Haram top commander, discovered to have escaped from Bauchi Central Prison in October 2010 and hid in Maiduguri, Borno State.”
While itemising the achievements recorded in February, the DSS noted: “While the service has ensured a relative peaceful environment in the month of March, it is instructive to note that it recorded many successes in the month of February, as can be seen from its operations during the period.
“On February 2, 2017, one Suleiman Yahaya, who had been on the wanted list of security agencies, was arrested during a raid in Potiskum LGA, Yobe State, for his role in several terrorist attacks in Borno and Yobe states. Similarly, on February 7, 2017, in Kumbotso LGA, Kano State, Mohammed Isyaka (aka Maikwano) was also arrested for his complicity in Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.”
The DSS said earlier on January 28, 2017, in Wudil, Wudil LGA, Kano State, it arrested Ahmed Muhammed, a high-profile Boko Haram terrorist, who kept in custody many persons abducted by sect members during their operations.
