Nigeria: Boko Haram Kingpin Nabbed in Bauchi

The Nigerian police in Bauchi believe they have made a breakthrough in the fight against terror following the arrest Mohammed Zakari, said to be a high ranking member of Boko Haram sect.


According to a statement by Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, which was made available to CAJ News Africa, the terrorists' leaders was arrested along Darazo-Basrika Road while fleeing from the intensive counter insurgency operations going on around the Balmo Forest.

“Following the massive onslaught by Security Forces on the activities of the insurgent group, Boko Haram, at the Balmo Forest Bauchi State, Police detectives attached to Bauchi State Police Command arrested one Mohammed Zakari, a male of 30 years old and senior member of the Boko Haram terrorists' organization along Darazo-Basrika Road while fleeing from the intensive counter insurgency operations going on around the Balmo Forest,” Mba stated.

He said the suspect hailed from Kaigamari Village, Daptchari in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State and is the self-styled “chief butcher” of the insurgent group at the Balmo Forest Camp.

He is linked with the recent slaughter of seven people, including women and children.

“The suspect, whom investigation reveals was tutored in the art of insurgency at Gombe Forest under the leadership of a fleeing insurgent, one Abba Taura and moved to Balmo Forest only three months ago, is discovered to have actively participated in the April attack against Customs officers at Kari Town, along Maiduguri Road, Bauchi State.”

Mba added that findings as well as disclosures from the suspect would assist the law enforcement agencies in tracking down some other members of the terror cell.

Mba said the Police High Command had called on the citizens in the affected areas to be on guard for any suspicious or strange character fleeing from Balmo Forest.

It also called for the understanding and support of the public for the efforts of the police and other security forces in tackling insurgency, terrorism and other related crimes headlong, noting that although the war on terrorism is unrelenting, it is certainly not insurmountable and must be won with the cooperation of all.