The Department of State Service has arrested an alleged expert
producing Improvised Explosive Devices for terrorist group, Islamic
State, in West Africa, Abbas Abubakar, in the Toungo Local
Government Area of Adamawa State.
The DSS said Abubakar, also known as Sambo, was arrested on
Monday by operatives, while 10 suspected kidnappers were also
arrested in Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi and Edo states.
Our correspondent learnt that Sambo was believed to an IED
expert for the Islamic State and investigations were ongoing to
fish out his accomplices.
The DSS said on October 25, its operatives also arrested five
suspected kidnappers in the Riga Chikun area of Kaduna State. Their
names were given as: Isa Ahmadu, Suleiman Umar, Ibrahim Mallam,
Ishaku Saidu and Mansur Mallam.
According to the DSS, after preliminary investigation, the
group’s hideout in Katsina State was raided and two other members,
Muhammadu Ibrahim and Muhammed Isa, also were nabbed.
Also in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State,
three kidnap suspects – Abdulhamid Isa, Adamu Adagiri and Nuhu
Ahmed – who were allegedly in areas between Kogi and Edo states
operating, were arrested.
The DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, in a statement
on Thursday in Abuja, confirmed the arrest of the suspected IS bomb
expert and the kidnap suspects.
He noted that the suspects would be charged to court after
investigations.
He said, “In its determination to contain the menace of
kidnapping, the DSS has arrested high profile kidnappers and
notorious elements in different locations. At Toungo LGA of Adamawa
State, Abbas Abubakar, a suspected Improvised Explosives Device
expert for the Islamic State in West Africa, was apprehended.
“Investigations have so far uncovered leads that will enable the
DSS and other sister agencies to address the menace. All the
suspects will undoubtedly be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The DSS reassures the public that the tempo of these operations
will be sustained and strengthened.
“The service, therefore, enjoins everyone to cooperate with law
enforcement agencies and avail them information that would
guarantee peace, especially during the coming Yuletide and the
general elections.”