DSS Captures Notorious Terrorist Kingpin Abubakar Abba in Niger State
The Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully arrested Abubakar Abba, a notorious terrorist leader who headed the "Mahmuda" terror group. The arrest was a major intelligence-led operation, and he was captured alive. This is considered a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
Key Details of the Terrorist and His Group
Identity and Group: Abubakar Abba led a dangerous terror group known as "Mahmuda." This group is a breakaway faction of the Boko Haram insurgency and is also believed to have links to the Islamic State.
Area of Operation: The group has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks and kidnappings across Niger and Kwara states. They have been known to operate from the vast Kainji Lake National Park and have terrorized communities in the border regions with the Benin Republic.
Capture Location: The terrorist kingpin was apprehended in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Local sources indicate he was captured during a covert operation while visiting a location within the state.
Transfer to Abuja: Following his arrest, Abubakar Abba was immediately moved to Abuja for further investigation and interrogation.
Government and Community Reaction
Official Confirmation: The arrest was confirmed by Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago. He described the capture as a "huge victory" for the state government and the Nigerian people.
Praise for President Tinubu: Governor Bago’s office and local communities have commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration's focus on national security, which led to the successful operation.
Community Jubilation: The news has been met with relief and jubilation from residents in Kwara and Niger states, particularly in communities that have suffered repeated attacks by the Mahmuda group. Villagers expressed renewed hope for peace in their traumatized communities.
This arrest follows other recent security efforts in the region, including Nigerian Army operations to clear terror hideouts within the Kanji Lake National Park. The capture of Abubakar Abba is a major blow to the group's command structure and is expected to disrupt their activities significantly.
