SSS Says - We’ve uncovered Boko Haram sleeper cells in Abuja

The State Security Service (SSS) said it has uncovered Boko Haram terrorists cells in Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to the Nigerian secret police, the terror group are believed to be creating sleeper cells to carry out surveillance on the territory with a view to carrying out attacks on the city. 

In a statement on Saturday, the SSS said the lead to uncovering the ‘terror cells’ came following the arrests of some of the terror group’s members who migrated from various conflict theaters in the Northeast of Nigeria to the FCT in order to enable them capitalize on the excitement of the yuletide season (Christmas & New year) to launch surprise and devastating attacks on the capital city.

The SSS statement reads:  “For instance, on October 29th, 2015, the duo of  Muhammed Hassan Idris (a Nigerien) and Baba Abdul Maina were arrested at Panteka area of Apo, Abuja. This was followed by the arrest of Sanni Mohammed (aka Kakase) and Ahmed Umaru (aka Mallam; Mallam Hamdi Garne; Ahmed Daubi) in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Sanni, who hails from Potiskum, Yobe State, fled the area following his involvement in coordinated suicide attacks in Yobe, Plateau, Kano and Kaduna States.

“In a related development, on 19th November 2015, Mohammed Shiwar ABUBAKAR and Musa TA’ADA were arrested at Shoprite Junction, Apo, Abuja. ABUBAKAR hails from Borno State and operates as a taxi driver in Abuja. He is of an unknown address but claims that he sleeps in his Volkswagen Golf car at the Honda line, Apo mechanic village, Abuja. The Gwoza-born TA’ADA also operates under the cover of a suya seller at Apo Primary School along Kabusa Road, Abuja.

“Still, on 23rd November, 2015, one Ahmed HASSAN was arrested while carrying out surveillance on a high-profile hotel in the city. He hails from Katagum, Bauchi State. Suspect admitted using the cover of a beggar to sustain surveillance on his targets. Bulama Ali, had previously been arrested in Karu, Nasarawa State, on 22nd November, 2015 . . . The Service also assures the general public that it will continue to carry out its responsibility of ensuring peace and security in Abuja and beyond”

- Tony Opuiyo, SSS Spokesman