lost 15 soldiers when Boko Haram terrorists carried out pre-
dawn attacks on Mohammed Kur Barracks, Bama in Borno
State, last Friday, which claimed five civilians.
Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris
Olukolade, who disclosed this in a statement, said the military
operations to track the insurgents that carried out the attacks
led to the destruction of over 20 vehicles conveying the
terrorists.
According to the statement, "the vehicles were the ones used
during the attack on the barracks and were sited through air
surveillance as the terrorists were making efforts to cross the
borders back to their haven in Cameroon.
"Although a good number of the insurgents escaped with
bullet wounds, some have been arrested.
"Over 50 of them died in the course of exchange of fire with
ground troops in the ongoing operations to apprehend fleeing
terrorists.
"The military has lost 15 soldiers mostly from the attack while
some died during the pursuit. Five civilians also died during
the attack.
"Intensive cordon-and-search operation is still ongoing to fish
out the insurgents that might be lurking around area."
The statement added that the families affected by the attacks
have been relocated to other military locations.
Kidnap
Meanwhile, operatives of Department of State Services, SSS,
yesterday paraded a Lance Corporal with the Nigerian Air
Force, Sulaiman Mohammed, and six others over alleged
kidnapping of Sokoto State-based businessman, Alhaji Abu
Dankure, who later died 11 days after his release.
Others paraded with Mohammed are; Mustapha Isah, gang
coordinator, Mohammed Abubakar, Farouk Waziri,
Mohammed Bukar, Usman Idah and Abdullahi Musa.
Speaking on behalf of DSS in his office in Abuja, an
Assistant Director, Mr. Doyin Adetuberu, said the men were
caught after the mastermind of the criminal act, Isah, was
arrested and confessed to the crime.
Adetuberu said: "On November 6, Alhaji Abu Dankure, a
prominent Sokoto-based businessman and philanthropist was
kidnapped at his construction site, located in Kofar, Kwari
area, along Western by-pass, Sokoto.
"Dankure was released by his captors on November 11 and
died 11 days later."
Confesions
Olatuberu said Mustapha Isah, a 31-year-old indigene of
Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, residing in
Sabongeri, Kano State, confessed that in September he rented
a 3-bedroom apartment at Mabera area of Sokoto, where he
used for the operation.
He also confessed to have collected $290,000 ransom in
Kwali, Kwali Area Council of Federal Capital Territory, FCT,
after which he ordered the release of the victim, who was in
their custody for five days.
While other confessed to have been part of the kidnap, Lance
Corporal Suleiman Mohammed denied any involvement and
insisted that he only sold a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to
Abdullahi Musa.
The 24-year-old officer, attached to Ministry of Defence and
residing at NAF base Airport Road, Abuja, however admitted
to have told one of the gang members that his uncle could
assist them in procuring arms.
He denied he ever have the knowledge or participated in the
said kidnap operation.
Olatuberu reiterated DSS' commitment to combating
insecurity in the country.
Via: Vanguard
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