The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that it has arrested four Boko Haram insurgents suspected to have fled to Lagos to evade arrest in the ongoing military offensive in the north-east.
Tony Opuiyo, an agent of the service, disclosed this in a statement saying the suspects, identified as Fanayi Bukar Hassan, Butame Hassan, Kologoni Bukar, and Amina Abubakar, were arrested on January 10 in the Oko Oba area of the state.
The service said nine others were also arrested in various parts of the country including a kingpin of the sect in Okene town, Kogi, Identified as Abdullahi Mohammed, said to be the leader of Boko Haram in Okene and alleged to have been responsible for the coordination of Boko Haram activities in Okene axis.
The statement added that two fleeing Boko Haram members, Bale Grema and Kolomi ADBA-AJI were arrested in a mosque at Mutum Biyu in Gassol local government area of Taraba state on New Year day after they had fled Marte, Borno state.
On January 7, one Muhammad Auwal was arrested at Andaza village, Kiyawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State in connection with terrorist activities.
Similarly, the Borno state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has discovered “Count down timers” being used by Boko Haram insurgents to detonate explosives.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, commandant of the corps, disclosed this in Maiduguri, the state capital, during an interview with NAN revealing that the instruments were discovered in Kalari area of Maiduguri, scene of Sunday’s bomb blast.
“The digital timer countdown displayed served the purpose of allowing the planter of bomb or suicide bomber to know the time to explode his improvised explosive device,” he said.
“Since we now know what they are using, the security agencies would trace the roots of where these gadgets are coming from.
“To this end, we appeal to people to be vigilant and proactive in their respective environment. They should also assist the security agencies with relevant information to nip Boko Haram activities and other crimes in the bud.”