Soldiers arrest four Boko Haram kingpins

The troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested four top Boko Haram commanders of the Ameer Class.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, who described the arrest of the top kingpins of the Boko Haram as “unprecedented” in a statement on Friday said that they were undergoing interrogation.

He said that the troops of the 22 Task Force Brigade arrested the insurgent leaders at Rann, the headquarters of the Kala Balge Local Government area of Borno State on Friday.

The Acting Army Spokesman said that the four  Boko Haram commanders were arrested following a tip-off by members of the public.

He said that the arrested kingpins specialised in sustaining the activities of the Boko Haram through all manner of criminal acts.

He gave the identities of the arrested kingpins as Umara Mai Gyaran Rediyo (Radio Technician), Umaru Mai Nama, (who specialises in cattle rustling and sales), Alifa Makinta (a specialist on stealing foodstuffs) and  Balu Jugudum (in charge of stolen jewellery).

He said, “Troops of 3 Battalion, of 22 Task Force Brigade  have made an unprecedented catch with the arrest of four Boko Haram terrorists Ameers (kingpins) at Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area today, Friday, 22nd April 2016. The arrested kingpins  specialised on various aspects of criminality to sustain the Boko Haram terrorist group in their areas.

“The four terrorists were arrested following a tip off by well meaning members of the public.”

“Subsequently, the troops conducted a cordon and search operation in the general area that led to the apprehension of the terrorist leaders, who contribute to the sustenance of the insurgency through their illegal trade specialisation.”

Soldiers arrest four Boko Haram kingpins