SSS uncovers Boko Haram cells in Abuja

Press statement from the State Security Service..

This is to inform the general public that the Boko Haram terrorist
group has continued to establish and operate sleeper cells whose
(sole) mandates are to conduct surveillance and carry out subsequent
attacks in the FCT.

This disclosure has become necessary following the arrests of the
sect's members who migrated from various conflict theaters in the
North East to the FCT in order to enable them capitalize on the
excitement of the yuletide season to launch attacks in the city.

For instance, on October 29th, 2015, the duo of Muhammed Hassan Idris
(a Nigerien) and Baba Abdul Maina were arrested at Panteka area of
Apo, Abuja.

This was followed by the arrest of Sanni Mohammed (aka Kakase) and
Ahmed Umaru (aka Mallam; Mallam Hamdi Garne; Ahmed Daubi) in Lafia,
Nasarawa State. Sanni, who hails from Potiskum, Yobe State, fled the
area following his involvement in coordinated suicide attacks in Yobe,
Plateau, Kano and Kaduna States.
In a related development, on 19th November 2015, Mohammed Shiwar
ABUBAKAR and Musa TA'ADA were arrested at Shoprite Junction, Apo,
Abuja. ABUBAKAR hails from Borno State and operates as a taxi driver
in Abuja. He is of an unknown address but claims that he sleeps in his
Volkswagen Golf car at the Honda line, Apo mechanic village, Abuja.
The Gwoza-born TA'ADA also operates under the cover of a suya seller
at Apo Primary School along Kabusa Road, Abuja.

Still, on 23rd November, 2015, one Ahmed HASSAN was arrested while
carrying out surveillance on a high-profile hotel in the city.
He hails from Katagum, Bauchi State. Suspect admitted using the cover
of a beggar to sustain surveillance on his targets. Bulama Ali, had
previously been arrested in Karu, Nasarawa State, on 22nd November,
2015. Similarly, on 1st December, 2015, Hassan Abubakar and Mohammed
Gwale Mohammed were arrested at Madalla, in Suleja LGA of Niger State
following intelligence that they were planning to commence attacks in
the FCT after a successful surveillance of the city. Before his
arrest, Abubakar was working with other sect members in different
parts of the country notably Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa States.

Abubakar was arrested in the house of Mohammed GWALE who claims to be
a Federal Civil Servant from Niger State.
He (Gwale) has made useful statements which are helping with further
investigation.

So far, preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects and
others still at large may have adopted their respective trades as
plausible covers to infiltrate the city and its environs in their bid
to conduct successful surveillance and map out soft targets for the
sect's attacks. The DSS' operations are, therefore, aimed at
preempting any attacks by the terrorist elements against the backdrop
of the upcoming festive period and beyond.
It is in this regard that the Service wishes to advise residents and
all law abiding Nigerians to remain vigilant especially at this
yuletide season and promptly report to security agencies any
suspicious movements and persons in the FCT and even other parts of
the country. The Service also assures the general public that it will
continue to carry out its responsibility of ensuring peace and
security in Abuja and beyond.

Tony OPUIYO
Department of State Services Abuja.