Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Abubakar Abba, the suspected senior commander of the Mahmuda terrorist group, which has been active across parts of Northcentral Nigeria.
Abba, believed to be the supreme leader of the group, was apprehended in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, without a single shot being fired.
He had allegedly coordinated attacks in Borgu and surrounding areas in Niger, as well as parts of Kwara State, in recent months.
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State confirmed the arrest in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, in Minna on Thursday.
“It is true that the terrorist kingpin, who is the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS,” Bago said.
According to him, the operation was intelligence-led, and the suspect has been transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
Bago described the arrest as a “huge victory” for the state and the country, commending President Bola Tinubu and the DSS for their efforts.
“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Tinubu to truly end insecurity and promote the well-being of Nigerians,” the governor stated, adding that the professionalism of the DSS in capturing such a high-profile suspect without gunfire reflected “a tremendous degree of intelligence and competence.”