Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services, DSS on Wednesday announced the arrest of suspects it claimed were involved in various cases of kidnapping across the country.
In a statement by Tony Opuiyo, one of its operatives, the DSS said top among the kidnapping suspects was one Daniel LORVE, a member of Benue based Terwase AKWAAZA (aka Gana) led notorious kidnapping and terrorist group.
The Service said the suspect was arrested on 23 March 2017 at Bangaji, Gboko, Benue State.
DSS said a further investigation of the suspect led to 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.
DSS said high calibre arms and ammunition were recovered from the scene notably; one (1) General Purpose Machine Gun, three (3) AK-47 rifles and one (1) SMG rifle, with large quantities of ammunition.
On other arrests of kidnapping suspects and other criminals, the DSS said, “In Kogi State, the Service, on 29th March, 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 30th March, 2017 at the same Adavi LGA for similar kidnap crimes.
“Preliminary investigation showed that the trio is 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 27th March 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 7th April 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 10th April 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.