Security Agencies and Imminent Victory Against Non-State Actors

Security Agencies and Imminent Victory Against Non-State Actors

By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

Ever since the invasion of Kuje medium custodial center by terrorists believed to be members of the dreaded ISWAP group which led to the corresponding escape of their detained commanders and other members of Boko Haram fighters, the level of security threat around Abuja, its outskirts and the nation at large has heightened up.

As a result, the citizens become more conscious and vigilant while on the other hand, the military and sister security agencies also beefed up security measures in an effort to be on top of the situation.

Amidst these precautionary measures, the criminals also schemed and carried out twin attacks on presidential guards in Bwari and another one on military checkpoint at Zuma rock, close to Abuja city.

Regrettably, close examination of events sorrounding these episodes of security breaches will apparently showed that the Influence of informants who gather information for these terrorists prior to unleashing their violence is very much pronounced.

Nevertheless, it’s heartwarming to learnt that the sustained efforts of invisible security agencies have begun turning pages as accomplices to these recent unwarranted attacks within and around the nation’s capital have started landing into the nets of federal agents.

This development was known when PRNigeria on July 31 2022, broke the news on how intelligent Operatives tracked down and arrested four informants behind the Kuje prison and Bwari attacks.

An intelligence operative, who is privy to PRNigeria disclosed that the suspects were nabbed with sophisticated equipment including Walkie-Talkies, revolver, knives, amulets, and old chinese made phones, that do not use data, notably in order to avoid tracing.

The source, who was part of the raid that led to the arrest of the informants, said discreet investigations are ongoing to confirm their leaders and financiers.

The source also added that, activities of the terrorist-collaborators were responsible for the recent security breaches around the vicinity of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

“The suspects are currently being interrogated to determine if they are working for terrorist groups or armed bandits or other elements with ulterior motives.

“I can authoritatively inform you that, while the military has deliberately refused to provide updates since the attack on Kuje Prison, to last attacks on troops at the Bwari and Zuma Rock axis, the joint security task force has so far killed more than 70 armed criminals, including dangerous Kuje prison escapees and terrorists,” the source added

Also, as part of its behind the curtains efforts in security related issues, it was gathered that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is coordinating a discreet intelligence operation that is providing new clues and traces of groups behind recent attacks on security personnel and formations.

Recall that DIA is the famous security agency responsible for providing intelligence and information to the military and ministry of defense. It also coordinates the activities of the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security institutions among other mandates.

On the other hand, the Department of State Service (DSS) also in its efforts towards ensuring national security, the Operatives of the agency have also made a similar arrest in Ogun recently.

It can be remembered that the DSS gathers and transmits domestic intelligence to other security agencies aimed at averting public disorders thereby ensuring peace and security.

Reports had it that there was anxiety in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following the arrest of a suspected Boko Haram leader. However, the suspect initially put up a resistance before bowing to the superior power of DSS operatives.

The suspected terrorist reportedly arrived in Abeokuta from Katsina, took up security job at Ijaye, while gathering intelligence for terrorist attacks.

It was noted that the criminal moved to Abeokuta to set up terrorists’ cell for carrying out kidnapping, terror attacks and other heinous activities . Unlucky to him, following intelligence gathering , the gun-wielding security operatives stormed his hideout and picked him up.

“It was not an easy ride. Intelligence and the grace of God were sufficient for the operatives. There are still many of them around, but we are on top of our game,” a source said.

However, this is coming amidst a leaked memo that earlier emanated from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) which cautioned that , criminals are scheming plan to carryout terror attacks across some Nigerian cities including Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Zamfara and others.

Notwithstanding, these mighty arrests of criminals by the federal forces is an indication that the security agencies are on top of their games and ready to confront these criminals and smoke them out of their hideouts.

Meanwhile, citizens should complement the efforts of security forces by providing actionable intelligence that would help in busting more of these terrorists’ cells.

Mukhtar is a Staff Writer with the Emergency Digest.