Ahead of the Easter celebrations, the Department of State Services (DSS), on Wednesday disclosed that the service had uncovered some underground plots to cause mayhem in some part of the country by some criminally minded people.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by one Tony Opuyo on behalf of the Service.
According to the statement, “the Service is aware of the efforts being made by some individuals to create a deep sense of insecurity in some parts of the country simply for their own selfish interest. To this end, the Service wishes to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that peace prevails across the country.”
It however warned that “it will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against defaulters, no matter how highly placed” and advised all law abiding citizens to go about their duties without fear or favour as the service and other sister security agencies were battle ready to provide security for law abiding citizens.
This came just as the service explained why it was still holding on to the former Benue State governor, Hon Gabriel Suswan, who is currently in its custody, saying that, the former governor had refused to cooperate with his interrogators on issues bordering on national security.
According to the statement, “the Service has continued to hold him in line with the dictates of the law; more so that he has not cooperated on the issues concerning the recovery of large cache of arms at his facilities.
“While investigation is ongoing on this matter, the Service has valid detention warrants to keep him, he will be charged accordingly once the investigations are concluded.”
In another development, the statement said that the service had arrested 20 suspects in relation to the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, kidnappings and other criminal activities across the country.
According to the service, “between March 25 and 26, 2017, the Service busted a ring of ISIS linked Boko Haram members based in Benue State and the FCT. The group had perfected plans to attack the United Kingdom and American dmbassies and other western interests in Abuja. During the operation to thwart this plan, five key suspects, namely: Isa Jibril, Jibril Jibril, Abu Omale Jibril, Halidu Sule and Amodu Salifu, were arrested.
“Earlier, on March 22, 2017, at Fika, Yobe State, a 20 year old Boko Haram member, Adamu Datti was arrested. He confessed his involvement in executing the sinister activities of the group.
“In the month of April, two suspected Ansaru kingpins, Ahmed Momoh and Al-amin Mohammed Jamin were arrested on 4th April, 2017 at Igarra, Akoko Edo LGA, Edo State. The duos were confirmed associates of Abu Uwais, a main Ansaru kingpin terrorising residents in Kogi and Edo states.
“While these terrorists are already undergoing detailed investigations, the Service stepped up its efforts at stamping out the menace of kidnapping. In Rivers State for instance, Daniel Dibiamaka was arrested on March 24, 2017 at Obio/Akpor LGA, for his complicity in the kidnap of one Emmanuel Orji Ukah on January 20, 2017. On that same day, Godsgift Isioma was arrested over his plan to kidnap one Dr G.N Douglas.
“Determined to decisively deal with the ugly menace of kidnapping and increasing violence in Benue State, the Service, on March 23, 2017 at Bangaji, Gboko, Benue State arrested Daniel Lorve, a member of the Terwase AKWAAZA (aka Gana) led notorious kidnapping and terrorist group. Further investigation in this regard prompted a joint military/police/service operation, which resulted in the raid on a farm suspected to have housed the armoury of Akwaaza known for terrorising Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs of the State. High calibre arms and ammunition were recovered from the scene notably; one General Purpose Machine Gun, three AK-47 rifles and one SMG rifle, with large quantities of ammunition.
“In Kogi State, the Service, on March 29, 2017 arrested Abdulmojid Momoh and Ahmed Tijani DODO at Adavi LGA for their involvement in kidnap activities. In a similar vein, the duo of Salau YAKUBU Ontinwa (aka General) and Abdulmajeed MUSA were arrested on March 30, 2017 at the same Adavi LGA for similar kidnap crimes. Preliminary investigation showed that the trio are key members of the dreaded gang terrorising innocent citizens and other travellers across the State. Prior to these operations in the State, a gun runner only identified as Kareem was arrested on March 27, 2017 for supplying weapons to criminals especially Abu Uwais, the Ansaru kingpin and notorious kidnapper.
“In furtherance of the Service’s efforts to check possession of illegal arms, it arrested Chukwujioke Igbru at Ikwo, Ebonyi State in a joint military/DSS operation on April 7, 2017. The suspect was alleged to be one of the masterminds of the clashes between his Ojenakpa community and neighbouring Isobo community in Obubra LGA of Cross River State. He was arrested in possession of a G3 rifle.
“In Abia State, one Freeborn Chisom Innocent from Ikeduru, Imo State was arrested at Nzaocha Street, Aba for engaging in subversive activities against public servants. Innocent who is an ICT Expert used the social media, especially blogs to launch negative campaigns against the persons and offices of top government officials by telling lies against them and making them appear weak and incapable of holding their posts. He also used his platform to incite one ethnic group to violently attack another, thus creating tension and social disharmony.
“It has also become instructive to let the public note that the Service has uncovered a racketeering network involved in the issuance of Certificates/Letters of indigeneship to persons from neighbouring African countries. The Boko Haram terrorist group has become part of this network and uses it to buoy its membership in Nigeria. A particular case was the arrest on 10thApril at Damaturu, Yobe State of Jalo, a Jos resident Guinean and Boko Haram suspect. It is also discovered that these non-Nigerians use their new indigene status to seek privileges including admissions into the country’s tertiary Institutions.
“In order to check this ugly development, State and Local authorities are advised to be more circumspect in the issuance of these Certificates/Letters of indigeneship. While they are enjoined to always liaise with the appropriate Government organs, especially the Immigration Service to checkmate this trend, the Service is continuing with its investigations to fish out other members of this criminal network. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicion in this direction.
“These successes have been achieved following the cooperation of well-meaning Nigerians who have volunteered credible intelligence. While such persons are commended and urged to do more for the good and safety of everyone, it is also important to advise people who are desirous of creating problems to desist from doing so.
The Service is equally aware of the efforts being made by some individuals to create a deep sense of insecurity in some parts of the country simply for their own selfish interest. To this end, The Service wishes to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that peace prevails across the country.”
