Nigerian Troop Nabs Boko Haram Kingpin

A Boko Haram chieftain and weapon manufacturer has been arrested by the Joint Task Force at an Improvised Explosive Devices, (IEDs) factory in Kazaure Local Government Area, Jigawa state.

A dawn-raid at the hideout by armed soldiers saw the apprehension of the notorious bomb-maker and his family without any death, though the terrorist engaged the security squad in a gun-duel.
Three women and three children were rescued by the JTF during the operation, while the unnamed Boko Haram kingpin was apprehended alive.

Items recovered during the raid that resulted to a gun duel include five AK 47 rifles, five magazines, and 333 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and various improvised explosive devices.

According to a statement signed by Captain Ikedichi Iweha, spokesman of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army and made available to Pointblanknews.com: “In continuation of operations aimed at complementing the efforts of military operation in the North Eastern part of the country and as is customary with the JTF in Kano, the command deems it fit to keep the general public up to speed with developments in the fight against terrorists in its area of operational responsibility.

“In the early hours of yesterday, 4 January 2014, at about 0100 hours (1:00 am), following extensive intelligence build up, troops of the 3 Brigade in Kazuare Local Government Area, Jigawa State conducted a pre dawn raid at a residence.

“One terrorist was apprehended after a gun battle; while three women and three toddlers were extricated unhurt. Five AK 47 rifles, Five magazines, and 333 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and various improvised explosive devices were recovered from the residence on further search. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is an Improvised Explosive Devices manufacturer and his residence a staging ground for terrorist activities in Kano.

“You may recollect that the JTF had earlier alerted members of the general public of fleeing terrorists from major theatres of operation in the North east axis of the country to ‘cooler ‘ areas due to pressure being mounted on them by the ongoing military operations in these areas.

“Members of the general public are once again enjoined to continue complimenting the efforts of the JTF by carrying out thorough checks on the background of persons who wish to let properties especially in cool zones or out skirt areas of major towns. The 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Kano would not allow its area of operational responsibility to be used as haven for terrorists. The appeals of the JTF will continue to be complimented with the destruction of properties terrorists reside in and the arrests of their owners.

“The effort of the JTF would not be successful without the cooperation of the residents. The JTF therefore calls on all residents not to relent in the fight against terrorist elements who are seeking refuge by reporting any suspicious persons regardless of gender for immediate action to prevent the loss of lives and properties. Additionally, members of the general public are please enjoined to go about their normal lawful businesses without any fear and to contact the JTF through its telephone numbers in the event of any distress for rapid response.”