Matilda Omonaiye/
Three suspects, including a soldier and a policeman, linked to recent killings in the Middle Belt area of Nigeria, have been captured by special security forces coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
NewsmakersNG learnt that the suspects were arrested over criminal activities, including fuelling recent herdsmen/farmers clashes in parts of the Middle Belt.
Two of the suspects, Ahmed Sani, and one Corporal Ibrahim Idris were allegedly captured in Jos by the special forces that included military personnel, after being caught with various firearms and ammunition.
Authorities at ONSA revealed that Sani, reputed in security circles to be a notorious armed robber, kidnapper and assassin, was arrested in an operation in conjunction with the Special Task Force (STF) on July 21, 2018; while Idris, a soldier residing in Maxwell Khobe Barracks, Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State, was arrested on June 27, 2018.
According to the security sources, Sani, also notoriously known as ‘Sani Gunrunner’, trades in various calibres of firearms and ammunition almost on a daily basis.
“Sani is one of the brains behind the feud between the Fulanis and other ethnic groups in the Middle Belt. This is owing to the constant supply of arms and ammunition he receives owing to his close relationship with Idris,” says a source that spoke with a NAN reporter.
The source further revealed that information obtained during Sani’s interrogation led to the arrest of a police officer, one Sergeant Zakaria, attached to the Police Counter Terrorism Unit in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The NPF personnel was arrested in a sting operation while in the process of supplying 400 rounds of ammunition to Sani who was already in custody.
“Sani’s confession also helped identify one Suleiman who is a detainee in Jos Prison. On interrogation, Suleiman confessed that he was a gunrunner before his remand in prison custody,” the source said.
The suspect allegedly confessed to facilitating the sale of arms and ammunition while still in prison.
“Sani and Suleiman are currently assisting security forces with information that can lead to the arrest of other syndicate members,” the source said.
In the same vein, one Ahmadu, a Fulani militia commander was arrested on July 16, 2018, at Barkin Ladi, Jos.
According to sources, the interrogation of Ahmadu led to the arrest of three other Fulani militiamen.
The army is conducting the further interrogation of all the suspects.
The Office of the NSA declined to comment on these arrests, but NAN learnt that the presidency has been briefed.
Laolu Akande, senior special assistant to the Vice President confirmed today that such briefing had indeed been made.
0