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.”
