Troops bust ’15-member Marlian gang’ terrorising Borno residents

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, 7 division garrison, have arrested 15 members of a suspected criminal group operating within Maiduguri, Borno capital.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reported that the group was busted by the troops after residents of the Gwange, Umarari and Jajeri areas of MMC LGA lodged repeated complaints about their activities.

The criminal syndicate, popularly known as the Marlian gang, due to their followership of singer Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), were arrested at about 11:40 pm on June 9 after the troops conducted a sting operation at the identified areas.

According to the publication, the suspected criminals had attacked citizens, snatched their mobile phones and other belongings.

The gang’s activities were said to have resulted in the loss of several lives and severe injuries inflicted on innocent citizens in the state.

One pump action gun, an axe, a jackknife and five mobile phones were reportedly recovered from the suspects. 

The publication said the suspects have been handed over to the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for further action.