The Nigerian Army has confirmed that some persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group have been arrested in Kano State.
The arrest of the suspected terrorists was confirmed in a statement on Sunday by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Mohammed Yerima.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested in the Hotoro axis of Kano State on Saturday, 8th May, 2021.
This confirms an earlier report by Naija News that the Nigerian Army on Saturday evening stormed a newly moved-in house located at Filin Lazio of the area and arrested some people, suspected to be terrorists.
Yerima explained that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to flush out all forms of criminality and also enjoined residents of the area not to panic but to go about their legitimate businesses without fear.
The full statement reads: “In an ongoing effort to flush out all forms of criminality within its Area of Responsibility, troops of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested 13 suspected Boko Haram terrorists around Filin Lazio, Hotoro axis of Kano State on Saturday 8 May 2021.”
“The ongoing operations is predicated on the need to apprehend criminals who may want to hibernate in any part of Kano State.”
“The general public especially residents of Filin Lazio Hotoro, are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses as security forces are on top of the situation.”
“The Nigerian Army wishes to use this medium to appeal to the peace-loving people of Kano State to maintain high level of vigilance and continue to report suspected movement of strange individuals or groups in their environment to the relevant security agencies for prompt action.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has said the federal government has recorded tremendous success in the prosecution of Boko Haram insurgents.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Malami noted that many of those found innocent were deradicalized in line with the policy of the federal government.
Malami, however, sad he is unaware that there are people opposed to the deradicalization of persons alleged to have been members of Boko Haram.