Security operatives raid suspected Boko Haram hideout in Kaduna

A combined team of security operatives from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Security and plain clothes police officers on Wednesday night raided a building suspected to be a hideout of a Boko Haram commander who sources say was on the run from Maiduguri.

The building located at No.4 Fulani Road, Ungwan Dosa, in Kaduna North Local Government Area of the State was allegedly leased out to one Muhammed Mai Borno who moved into the premises with his wife.

According to a neighbor who pled anonymity for fear of victimization, the man actually moved into the premises after the rainy season.

“When we asked after his children, he said they are in school somewhere in the North East and we discovered that he is always traveling and we never suspected any foul play until we started hearing gun shots in the night,” the neighbour said.

Usman Ahmed who spoke to reporters said the security teams arrived the area around 12 midnight and within few minutes the area was cordoned off and this was followed by sporadic gun shots.

“I was in my house in the next street and was woken up by the gun shots,” Mr. Ahmed said. “Initially, I thought it was a robbery attack and I called the leader of the vigilante group in the area who told me that there was no cause for alarm.

“When the gunshots persisted I tied to call some of my neighbours that I can remember their number and it was then that one of them told me that from his window he sighted security men and he believed the gunshots were from them. I became comfortable and told my family to go back to bed assuring them that all is well.”

It was also gathered that the owner of the property was whisked away by security agents. The suspected Boko Haram member allegedly escaped but his wife was caught by the security agents.

When journalists contacted the Assistant Director, Army Public Relation Department 1 Division, Abdul Usman, he said he was yet to be briefed on the matter and promised to make available information when he received details from the operating officer in the area.