The Directorate of state security said it has arrested all members of the dreaded ‘BASALUBE’ kidnap gang operating in Kogi- Lokoja and Abuja – Kaduna highways. The Nigerian secret police made this known in a statement released and signed by its spokesman Tony Opuiy said the Service embarked on a series of joint operations across the country. One of those arrested is Lawal MOHAMMED, a suspected financier and armourer of the Basbule kidnap gang operating in Kogi State.
He was arrested in Japama in Obajana LGA, Kogi State by a joint team of the DSS and the Nigerian Military.
“Two other members of the gang namely – Mohammed TUKUR and Abubakar IBRAHIM were also arrested in the operation. TUKUR was identified as the Chief surveillance officer of the gang as he coordinated the gang’s movement across the various States of Rivers, Edo, Delta, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja preparatory to the execution of their operations. “ The DSS statement added.
“Similarly, on the same date, at Lower Afesere, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Ali ABUBAKAR, a notorious kidnapper and top ranking member of the same BASULUBE gang was also arrested. This arrest was effectted while he was perfecting plans to carry out kidnap operations in Obajana, Kogi State
“The following members of his gang were subsequently arrested, Abubakareem IDRISA; Bashir Uban Dawaki TSOHO; Sanusi ABUBAKAR; Nuhu MUHAMMAD; and Abubakar ABDULHAMEED.
In its determination to decimate the BASALUBE group, the Service on apprehended Abubakar DANLANSU, driver and weapon courier of the group. The suspect was arrested enroute Edo state from where he was to convey weapons to Obajana, Kogi State for the gang’s planned kidnap operations.
The DSS also, the Service arrested a suspected Boko Haram element, Sanusi Mohammed BELLO, at the outskirts of Wudil town, Wudil LGA. The suspect was reportedly carrying out surveillance activities for the extremist group in the area.
He was arrested with several handsets, multiple identity cards including those of a Police Constable and neighbourhood vigilante member and the sum of thirty-seven thousand, eight hundred and fifty-five naira (N37,857.00) were recovered from him.
The DSS also reiterated it’s commitment to the protection of lives and properties of all Nigerians.
Another operation was also carried out in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State where Mathew EKAM was arrested over his complicity in the kidnap of one obianuju ONYEMA, who was earlier abducted on March 12 and subsequently released on March 18.
‘The successes so far recorded by the Service are geared towards providing a safe and peaceful environment for law abiding citizens to pursue their legitimate endeavours. We wish to reassure the public that the tempo of these operations will be continually reviewed, strengthened and sustained.
“The Service, therefore, wishes to reiterate its stance that all perpetrators of violence and criminality against the Nigerian State and its law-abiding citizens will be made to face the full course of law no matter how long it takes. ‘ Opuiyo said.
Furthermore, the DSS said, it In keeping with its commitment and pledge to ensure the safety of citizens and residents in the country, the Service in collaboration with sister security agencies, has further sustained its counter operations to degrade and contain the activities of unscrupulous elements, including kidnappers and insurgents in parts of the country.
