SSS uncovers Boko Haram cells in Abuja

Press statement from the State Security Service..
"This is to inform the general public that
the Boko Haram terrorist group has
continued to establish and operate sleeper
cells whose (sole) mandates are to conduct
surveillance and carry out subsequent
attacks in the FCT. This disclosure has
become necessary following the arrests of
the sect’s members who migrated from
various conflict theaters in the North East
to the FCT in order to enable them
capitalize on the excitement of the yuletide
season to launch attacks in the city.
For instance, on October 29th, 2015, the duo of
Muhammed Hassan Idris (a Nigerien) and Baba
Abdul Maina were arrested at Panteka area of
Apo, Abuja. This was followed by the arrest of
Sanni Mohammed (aka Kakase) and Ahmed
Umaru (aka Mallam; Mallam Hamdi Garne;
Ahmed Daubi) in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Sanni,
who hails from Potiskum, Yobe State, fled the
area following his involvement in coordinated
suicide attacks in Yobe, Plateau, Kano and
Kaduna States.
In a related development, on 19th November
2015, Mohammed Shiwar ABUBAKAR and Musa
TA’ADA were arrested at Shoprite Junction, Apo,
Abuja. ABUBAKAR hails from Borno State and
operates as a taxi driver in Abuja. He is of an
unknown address but claims that he sleeps in his
Volkswagen Golf car at the Honda line, Apo
mechanic village, Abuja. The Gwoza-born TA’ADA
also operates under the cover of a suya seller at
Apo Primary School along Kabusa Road, Abuja.
Still, on 23rd November, 2015, one Ahmed
HASSAN was arrested while carrying out
surveillance on a high-profile hotel in the city.
He hails from Katagum, Bauchi State. Suspect
admitted using the cover of a beggar to sustain
surveillance on his targets. Bulama Ali, had
previously been arrested in Karu, Nasarawa State,
on 22nd November, 2015. Similarly, on 1st
December, 2015, Hassan Abubakar and
Mohammed Gwale Mohammed were arrested at
Madalla, in Suleja LGA of Niger State following
intelligence that they were planning to commence
attacks in the FCT after a successful surveillance
of the city. Before his arrest, Abubakar was
working with other sect members in different
parts of the country notably Borno, Yobe, Taraba
and Adamawa States. Abubakar was arrested in
the house of Mohammed GWALE who claims to
be a Federal Civil Servant from Niger State.
He (Gwale) has made useful statements which
are helping with further investigation. So far,
preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects
and others still at large may have adopted their
respective trades as plausible covers to infiltrate
the city and its environs in their bid to conduct
successful surveillance and map out soft targets
for the sect’s attacks. The DSS’ operations are,
therefore, aimed at preempting any attacks by the
terrorist elements against the backdrop of the
upcoming festive period and beyond.
It is in this regard that the Service wishes to
advise residents and all law abiding Nigerians to
remain vigilant especially at this yuletide season
and promptly report to security agencies any
suspicious movements and persons in the FCT
and even other parts of the country. The Service
also assures the general public that it will
continue to carry out its responsibility of ensuring
peace and security in Abuja and beyond.
Tony OPUIYO
Department of State Services Abuja.