Troops arrests four Boko Haram ‘Ameers’

Troops of 3 Battalion of 22 Task Force Brigade have arrested four Boko Haram leaders, as the clearance operations of the remnant of the insurgents continue in the northeast.

A statement issued yesterday by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said the arrest at Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Council followed a tip off by well meaning members of society.

He noted the feat is an “unprecedented catch,” considering that since the beginning of the Operation Lafiya Dole, such number of kingpins, popularly called “Ameer,” have not being trapped at once.

Usman said the arrested kingpins “specialised on various aspects of criminality to sustain the terrorists group in their areas. ‬”

While noting that the arrested suspects are undergoing interrogation and profiling, the statement reads in part: “The four terrorists were arrested following a tip off by well meaning members of the public.

“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 specialisation. ‬

“The arrested kingpins include Umara Mai Gyaran Rediyo (Radio Technician), Umaru Mai Nama (who specialises in cattle rustling and sales), Alifa Makinta (a specialist in stealing foodstuffs) and Balu Jugudum (in charge of stolen jewellery). ‬”