Troops arrest ‘high profile’ Boko Haram insurgent in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian army’s operation Hadin Kai have arrested a “high profile Boko Haram member” in Borno state.

Yawi Modu, the suspect who has been on the wanted list of security operatives, was arrested along Damboa-Wajiroko road of the state.

Onyema Nwachukwu, director of army public relations, announced his arrest in a statement shared with reporters on Thursday.

He said the troops also raided an improvised explosive devices (IED) materials hub in Damboa and Gashua LGAs of Borno and Yobe, respectively.

Onyeama said a syndicate known for supplying Boko Haram insurgents with IED materials was busted, adding that troops confiscated “50 kilogrammes bags of Urea from the warehouses in the market and two notorious distributors were also arrested”.

“These ISWAP criminals facing the reality of obvious depletion are desperately acquiring IED materials to make explosive devices with which to unleash terror on innocent civilians, in a bid to remain relevant and present a posture of potency,” the military spokesman said.

“In the sting operation conducted, a total of 281 (50Kg) bags of Urea were recovered from the warehouses in the market, and two notorious distributors were also arrested.

“Recall that Urea fertiliser has been banned by Government because of its use as a major component for manufacturing IED by terrorists.

“The suspects and materials recovered are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.”