The Department of State Services in collaboration with Operatives of Operation Lafiya Dole on Tuesday said they have arrested a Boko Haram expert who specializes in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for the group. The development was made known in a statement issued by Deputy Director Public Relations Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu.
The statement disclosed that Adamu Hassan, aka Baale, was nabbed by the operatives at Kaltungo in Gombe State during a stop and search Operation along Bauchi – Gombe road.
The statement further said troops conducting clearance operations killed three Boko Haram insurgents in two separate encounters in the mountainous region of Bokko Hilde, along Ngoshe – Pulka road and Mujigine general area respectively.
“Troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles and a motorcycle from the insurgents. It is expedient to bring to public awareness, that in its desperation to survive troops’ onslaught and remain relevant in the eyes of the public, the Boko Haram terrorists group has continued to make frantic efforts to infiltrate communities with Person Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (Suicide bombers) to callously unleash terror and fear on the populace."
“Members of the public are therefore enjoined to remain vigilant and watchful while going about their normal activities and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to appropriate security agencies,” the statement added.
Relatedly, the troops said a joint operation involving Vigilantes busted a raid operation by the sect on Monday, leading to the arrest of four of the insurgents. They reportedly disclosed that they were rummaging for food and logistics at Kudiye community, along Dikwa – Gulumbagana Road.
“The insurgents who revealed that they belong to the Abubakar Shekau faction of the Boko Haram terrorists group have been taken into custody and are making useful confessions. Troops also recovered two motorcycles, bags of grains and tamarin from the insurgents,” the statement added.