Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has confirmed the arrest of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Abubakar Abba, leader of the dreaded Mahmuda terrorist group that operated in parts of Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State and neighbouring Kwara State.
The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services in Wawa town, without any exchange of gunfire, according to a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bago, published on his official Facebook page.
“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS,” Ibrahim quoted the governor as saying in the post.
He further disclosed that, “He (Abba) was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.”
Describing the development as a major milestone, the statement praised the federal government’s efforts in combating insecurity in the region. “This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news,” Ibrahim added.
“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians,” he stated.
Governor Bago, through his spokesperson, also lauded recent appointments made by President Tinubu in the security sector, attributing the successful operation to improved coordination and strategic leadership.
“Look at the appointments in the security services, especially the DSS. It takes a tremendous degree of intelligence and competence to, without firing a single shot, capture a high-profile terrorist like Abba. Where there is a will, they say, there is a way. Mr. President has consistently shown that willpower. That’s why we are recording such successes,” he said.
Governor Bago assured that the Niger State government would continue to work closely with the federal government and relevant security agencies to ensure that terrorism is brought to an end across the country.
