The Nigerian Army on Friday announced that it had arrested four key strategists for the extremist Boko Haram sect, a development it described as unprecedented.
“Troops of 3 Battalion, of 22 Task Force Brigade have made an unprecedented catch with the arrest of 4 Boko Haram terrorists Ameers (kingpins) at Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area today, Friday 22nd April 2016,” the spokesperson for the Army, Sani Usman, said in a statement Friday night.
“The arrested kingpins specialized in various aspects of criminality to sustain the Boko Haram terrorists group in their areas.”
Mr. Usman, a colonel, said the four terrorists were arrested “following a tip-off by well meaning members of the public.”
He said “Subsequently, the troops conducted a cordon and search operation in the general area that led to the apprehension of the terrorist leaders, who contribute to the sustenance of the insurgency through their illegal trade specialization.”
The Army spokesperson gave the names of the the arrested suspected terrorists to include Umara Mai Gyaran Rediyo (Radio Technician), Umaru Mai Nama, (who specializes in cattle rustling and sales), Alifa Makinta (a specialist on stealing foodstuffs) and Balu Jugudum (in charge of stolen jewelleries).
“Presently the suspects are undergoing interrogation,” Mr. Usman said.
The Army has of recent announced the arrest of several high profile suspected terrorists.
The whereabouts of those arrested however remained unknown, and so far none has been charged to court.
