Wanted terror kingpin among suspects – DHQ

THE Defence Headquarters disclosed, yesterday, that one of the most wanted terror kingpins of the Boko Haram group was among the 486 suspected insurgents arrested last Sunday on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. They were arrested by soldiers from the Asa Military Base, 14 Brigade, Ohafia Barracks, Abia State.

The suspects, who claimed to be on their way to Port Harcourt in search of work were said to be moving in a convoy of 33 Hummer buses when they were intercepted by the soldiers between Arungwa Junction on the expressway and Imo Gate, the Abia State and Rivers State boundary.

Following their arrest, the security agents were said to have screened the suspects where it was discovered that a Boko Haram terrorist who has been on the wanted list of security agencies was among them.

The Defence Headquarters in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade said: “A terror kingpin on the list of wanted terrorists of security forces in Nigeria has been detected in the ongoing screening of the 486 suspects nabbed while travelling in over 33 Hiace Hummer buses at night along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway last Sunday.

“So far, other security agencies, including the para-military, have joined the screening exercise to ascertain the status of the remaining suspects. Those identified as possible security risk or illegal immigrants are expected to be identified for further action.” The identified terror kingpin has been taken into custody.
Chris Olukolade
Sagay hails military

Meanwhile, reacting to the insurgents’ arrest, Constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), commended the military. He urged them to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain if those arrested were actually members of Boko Haram or they were just wandering about.

Prof Sagay argued that the investigation would enable Nigerians know the identity of the arrested suspects and their mission in Port Harcourt.

According to Sagay: “If actually the arrested suspects are members of the outlawed sect, the normal punishment that applies to terrorists should be meted to them without delay.

“The military needs to be praised for being alert. They have demonstrated some qualities we have not seen for sometime. One is reassured that there is still some alertness and we are happy about that.

“But the major question that comes to my mind is what evidence do we have to prove that they are Boko Haram? Yes, they are suspicious people because how can young people of that age be moving around in almost 40 buses?

“I think there is need for more investigation to know exactly who they are and what they were planning to do in Port Harcourt. It is good they were stopped. It is equally good they are in custody.

“If they are Boko Haram members, the normal steps that apply to those planning terrorism should be applied against them. If they are not, I think they should be sent back because at this period, it is too critical to have people wandering about without purpose,” he said.