Abuja – The Nigeria Police on Tuesday said its detectives attached to the Bauchi State Command arrested one Mohammed Zakari, 30, a senior member of the Boko Haram sect.

Notice of the arrest is contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Frank Mba, in Abuja.

The statement described Zakari, who hails from Kaigamari village,

Daptchari in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State as “the self style chief butcher” of the insurgent camp.

The statement alleged that he was linked to the recent slaughter of seven people, including women and children.

It said that the suspect was arrested on Saturday at about 2 p.m. following a massive onslaught by security forces against the activities of insurgents in the Balmo forest in Bauchi State.

It added that Zakari was arrested on Darazo-Basrika road while fleeing from intensive counter insurgency operations around the forest.

The statement revealed that Zakari was tutored in the art of insurgency at Gombe forest under the leadership of another fleeing insurgent, Abba Taura.

It said that the suspect moved to Balmo forest only three months ago.

“He is discovered to have actively participated in the April attack against customs officers at Kari town, along Maiduguri road, Bauchi State,’’ it said.

Meanwhile, the Police High Command had urged people in the affected area to be on guard for any suspicious or strange character fleeing from the forest. (NAN)