Bago lauds Tinubu over arrest of terror group leader in Niger by DSS
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the arrest of Abubakar Abba, leader of the Mahmuda terror group, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Abba, described as one of the most feared terrorist leaders in West Africa, was apprehended in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger, after weeks of surveillance, and has been taken to Abuja for further investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Minna by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibrahim Bologi, Bago described the development as a demonstration of the President’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.
“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, has been arrested alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS,” Bago said.
“This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.
“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians,” he said.
The governor praised the professionalism of the DSS, noting that the arrest was made without a single shot being fired.
“Where there is a will, there is a way. Mr. President has consistently shown that willpower, which is why we are recording such successes,” he said.
Bago assured that the Niger Government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to halt terrorism in the state and the country at large.
Residents of parts of Niger and Kwara states had long lived in fear of the Mahmuda group, notorious for attacks around Kainji National Park, before noticing what they described as Abba’s “puzzling disappearance” in recent weeks.
Security sources confirmed that the DSS trailed and arrested the terror leader in Wawa community after sustained intelligence gathering.
