Police arrest allies of ‘Chadian terrorist planning to establish base in Kano’

The police command in Kano says it has arrested the wife and other associates of Ahmad Abba, a suspected terrorist wanted for killing 17 people in Chad Republic.

Speaking with journalists on Friday, Salman Garba, the state police commissioner, said Abba, who fled Nigeria recently, was “planning to establish a terrorist base in Kano”.

He identified the three suspects as Abba’s wife, a Chadian named Jibrin Mohammed, and one Nigerian.

The Kano CP said improvised explosive devices were recovered from the suspects.

“The wanted Chadian suspected terrorist escaped out of Nigeria and we have successfully apprehended three of the suspect’s associates, including his wife, another Chadian named Jibrin Mohammed, 42 years old, and a Nigerian,” Garba said.

“They were arrested following a thorough investigation and intelligence-led policing, and are currently in custody with investigation ongoing.”

The Kano CP said the police have intensified intelligence gathering to identify other suspects.

“Our teams are collaborating closely with other intelligence agencies and the communities to ensure that we are working hand-in-hand to identify any suspicious activities and individuals who may pose a security threat to our society,” he said.

“It is vital that we foster trust and cooperation between the police and the communities we serve as this partnership is essential in combating crime and preventing likely emerging security threats.”

On January 24, the Kano police command alerted residents to intelligence reports of a suspected plan by terrorists to target public gatherings in strategic locations across the state.