DSS arrests kidnappers, B/Haram medic

The Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Plateau State, Major-General Augustine Agundu, parades suspected cult members to newsmen at the Operation Safe Haven Headquarters in Jos yesterday

The Department of State Service (DSS) said its personnel, in a joint operation with the military, arrested one Yusuf Salisu, alleged medic for kidnappers and Boko Haram insurgents.

The suspect was arrested on November 9, 2018, at Sabon Birni Village, Igabi LGA, Kaduna State, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya said in a statement yesterday.

He said until his arrest the suspect operated a medicine store and regularly treated kidnappers or their victims.

The DSS said Salisu is also linked with 13 high profile Boko Haram Commanders on the wanted list of security agencies.

Afunanya said another kidnapper Muhammad Musa was also arrested on November 7, 2018, at Mararaban-Jos, in the same Igabi LGA.

He said the service arrested a suspected gunrunner Dare Okunwola, with his associates Kim Dung (a local AK-47 fabricator), Hubert Akubulo, Chidi Ezubebem and Elochukwu Oguabia.

He said during the operation 1,163 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the group. He said two other members of the gang – Bitrus Badung and Emeka Obi – are still at large.

He said on November 13, 2018, at Rafin-Guza, Kaduna State, Umar Nuhu, a member of ISWA and a close associate of Liman Maitukwane (the current leader of Ansaru Group) was arrested by the Joint Team.

He said, “This group is responsible for the several attacks on Military Bases in the North- East. Similarly, on 14th November, 2018, at Gayawa, Ungoggo LGA, Kano State, the Service apprehended Jafar Umar, suspected member of the Boko Haram sect.”


Afunanya also said on 16th November, 2018, Shuaibu Shehu, a kidnap kingpin and cattle rustler, was arrested at Gumel, Jigawa State.

He said one AK-47 rifle, one locally made pistol, two military uniforms, 64 cows, four donkeys and some rams were recovered from him.

He said other members of his gang arrested are: Abdulkarim Dauda, Adamu Usaini, Umar Adamu, Usaini Shede.

He said on 15th November, 2018 at Fulani settlement, Zango Village, Lokoja, a suspected kidnapper, Ibrahim Muhammadu, who has carried out several kidnap operations in Kogi State was arrested.

His latest victim was a nine year old boy, Beddi Muhammadu, earlier kidnapped on 4th November, 2018.