Army confirms arrest of mastermind

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of the mastermind of the two recent bomb and gun attacks in Jos and Zaria towns of Plateau and Kaduna states, respectively.

The confirmation is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

It said the suspect, in company of two other persons were arrested at a checkpoint in Dadin Kowa town of Gombe state while attempting to flee.

The statement said their arrest was made possible following a security cordon of the general areas especially along the volatile areas on the North Eastern axis.

It said the security cordon which led to the arrest of the suspects was conducted by troops of 3 Division, Special Task Force and the Department of State Services.

"The terrorist kingpin and his colleagues who disguised in a trailer while trying to evade checks were fished out by troops of Nigerian Army."

"The arrested terrorists are currently being processed for further action and would soon face the full wrath of the law,’’ the statement quoted the army spokesman as saying.

The statement urged the general public to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious persons, movements and facilities to security agencies.

NAN recalls that on Sunday, July 5, suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out coordinated bomb and gun attacks on worshippers at Yan Taya mosque, Dilimi Street, Jos.

Another attack was unleashed on Shagalinku Restaurant, along Bauchi Road, Jos, which led to death of over 48 persons, injuring several other persons and destruction of property.

A similar attack was executed by suspected terrorists on workers undergoing verification exercise at Sabon Gari local government secretariat, Zaria, which claimed more than 25 lives.

Hear the testimonies of Nigerian soldiers in this video.