Top Boko Haram Member Arrested By Vigilantes In Maiduguri

After the realization that JTF cannot eradicate boko Haram threats alone, youths have summoned up courage to assist in fighting the terrorist group.A key Boko Haram member was arrested by youths in the capital city of Borno State, Maiduguri, on June 13, 2014, Friday, following a tip-off by a young man who was able to recognize the sect member.

The internally displaced person, who helped to bust the terrorist, fled Gwoza area of Borno State, where multiple communities were raided and dozens of people were killed in the past several weeks. 

He was able to recognize the sect member near the Timber Shed along Baga Road, Maiduguri, because this man was the one who had gunned down the brother of the young man.

A local vigilante member told Weekly Trust that the suspect with a plastic bag in his hand was about to enter the Timber Shed, when the refugee raised the alarm and called for help of the Civilian JTF.The young vigilante, who participated in the arrest, futher narrated that the suspect was neutralised and confessed of being a Boko Haram member for the fear of being lynched. He also promised to provide some useful information, including those that can lead to arrest of other terrorists who have already infiltrated Maiduguri, Kasuwan Gwoza area in particular. In exchange, he asked to spare his life.

The suspect has also confessed killing the brother of the displaced person and many others during terrorist raids on communities. 

The vigilantes believed him and did not kill the sect member on the spot. Instead, they have handed him over to soldiers. 

Civilian JTF works in close contact with security operatives. The youths watch the area and make it difficult for Boko Haram members to operate openly in the Maiduguri metropolis. 

More and more people seek refuge in the city. Over 6,000 left their villages in the month of June only, begging for safety due to endless Boko Haram attacks on villages in Borno State, especially around Bama, Gwoza and Konduga local government areas.

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20 died in Today's Boko Haram, JTF Confrontation

At least 20 people including 15 suspected Boko Haram and five residents died on Sunday in a fresh attack in the Nigeria northeast sleepy town in Borno State by the armed Islamic sect, army official said.

The attack took place at Damboa, 87 km from Maiduguri, Borno State capital at about 4.30 a.m., local time, acting spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Captain Aliyu Danja said in a statement reaching Todaysgist.

"The terrorists  sneaked into the town at about 4.30 a.m., attacked worshippers in a mosque and killed 5 of them who came to say their morning prayers," Danja said.

He said the insurgents burnt down the palace of the local chief, his house and some shops around the area but said some army troops intercepted the insurgents and engaged them in a shootout, leading to the death of 15 of the attackers while others fled in disarray.

"While they were unleashing their mayhem, troops under the 7 Division engaged the terrorists killing 15 in the process while others fled in disarray. Efforts are on to trace and destroy the feeling terrorists," he said.

He said one rocket propelled grenade tube, two rocket propelled grenade bombs, five AK 47 Rifles, a pickup van and assorted ammunitions were recovered from the scene of the shootout.

He urged residents to be conscious of strange movement of persons around their localities and assured of the army commitment "to bring Boko Haram menace to an end."

Attacks have been on rise in recent months in Borno, a state bordering Cameroon, Niger and Chad, where the threat from Al- Qaida's north African branch AQIM is looming.

The Boko Haram sect seeks to enshrine the Islamic sharia law into the constitution and declares war against the Western education.

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