Nigerian Troops Arrest Boko Haram Recruiter, Nab 49 Suspected Terrorists In Yobe

The military Special Forces have arrested a recruitment agent for the Boko Haram sect, the Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday.A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said the unnamed terror agent was arrested in a cordon and search operation in Maiduguri.
According to the spokesman, the suspect used to be in charge of the sect’s armoury.
He added that the troops also arrested five Nigeriens at a hideout in Mallam Fatori as they attempted to escape in two Toyota Cruiser Jeeps.
The statement said troops were still patrolling the notorious Sambisa forest and cordoned off the Alou forest and Gwoza Hills.
“More abandoned vehicles, weapons and other items are being recovered in the camps of the insurgents.
“Among the recent finds are rifles, double barrel guns, various charms and amulets, machine guns as well as pairs of camouflage uniforms, bows and quiver and assorted rifle magazine.
“Others are handset, walkie talkie, car number plates and some food items. Abandoned vehicles recovered include a Golf car, a Honda, Customs pickup van, Honda (2003 Model) and a Volkswagen Monte Carlo”, the statement added.
The DHQ said police stations were being reopened in some parts of Borno State, adding that detachments of police anti-terrorists unit had been deployed to complement security in Kirenowa area of Borno.
Olukolade said a team of local and foreign journalists have commenced a tour of the operational areas of the Joint Task Force.
According to him, the tour, organised by the DHQ was meant to ensure that the media have first-hand information on the situation in the operational areas.
Meanwhile, No fewer than 49 suspected Boko Haram members were arrested at various locations in Yobe State by Special Forces following a tip off by locals in some communities.
Olukolade said the suspects were arrested during cordon and search operation.
According to him, weapons including AK 47 rifles, locally made pistols and ammunitions were recovered from the suspects when federal troops combed Rugan Fulani, Arikime, Afghanistan and Ngandu villages and communities.
“The team led by Air Commodore BE Inyang was also briefed that all the camps of the terrorists in the area had been dislodged as some of the insurgents fled towards Niger Republic.
“The DHQ team was also informed of a trend whereby some particular crimes have now taken the place of terrorism as the criminals now resort to brigandage, robbery and attempted assassination of business rivals.
“All law abiding Nigerians were however assured of the safety of their lives and property as troops of the Special Forces comprising of various security agencies including the Police Anti Bomb Squads are working round the clock to nip the negative trend in the bud.
“Citizens were further encouraged to continue to volunteer information on activities of terrorists in order to help troops rid the state of insurgents,” the statement added.