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In line with its re-strategized counter-terrorism measures to combat the menace of Boko Haram activities in Nigeria, the Department of State Services’ (DSS), has arrested at least 16 Boko Haram  suspects across the country.

In a release signed by Tony Opuiyo yesterday, the Service disclosed that it rounded up the members  of the terror group in Lagos, Kano, Plateau, Enugu and Gombe States between July 8 and August 25, 2015.

It further noted that of particular attention was the arrest of the masterminds of the coordination and execution of the suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos in July 8, 2015 in Gombe State and execution of the suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos.

While unmasking their identities, the DSS listed their names as: Usman Shuaibu (aka Money), Ahmed Mohammed (aka Abubakar), Adamu Abdullahi (aka Babpa), Ibrahim Isa, Muttaqa Yusuf (aka Mohammed Sani/Mudtaka), Bakura Modu, Mustapha Alli Jamneri, Abuyi Sherriff, Abba Modu Sagma, Grema Abubakar, Tijani Bagudu,Baba Alhaji and Abass Ibrahim, Ibrahim Audu, Ibrahim Haruna, Mal Ali Mohammodu, Adam Wakil Abdul Jilbe and Mohammed Usman.

Tagged: ‘Update on DSS’ counter terrorism efforts’, the Service noted: “In line with the DSS re-strategised Counter Terrorism measures to combat the menace of the Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria, the Service has continued to make significant breakthroughs in this direction.”

“This followed the rounding up of notable commanders and frontline members of the notorious group from different parts of the country. It should be noted that the group’s new pattern of movement and spread is necessitated by the pressure being put on them in their core areas of strength in the North East.

“Consequently, a number of them have been arrested in Lagos, Kano, Plateau, Enugu and Gombe States between July 8 and August 25, 2015. Of particular note was the arrest on July 8, 2015 in Gombe State of those responsible for the coordination and execution of the suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos.

On Shuaibu, the DSS noted: “Shuaibu revealed that he coordinated the attacks under reference with the sum of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000.00), which was provided by his Amir, one Isa Ali.

“He claimed that the said Isa ALI has links to the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, from where he collects monies to fund operations undertaken by their Markaz.

“Also, he revealed that he has participated in several Boko Haram attacks, including the attacks at Gwoza Divisional Police Station in 2014. Shuaibu admitted being the leader of the team of nine (9) sect members that was dispatched from Sambisa Forest to carry out the attacks. He disclosed that four (4) out of the nine (9) of them were used as suicide bombers in executing all the (Suicide) attacks,” it added.

On Ahmed and Adamu, the DSS said; “Ahmed Suspect, an IED expert, confessed to the preparation of the IEDs used for the mentioned attacks. He also averred that he (Abubakar) was the one who strapped the suicide bombers, notably Sule and his wives, with IED vests, which they used in the attacks in Jos.”