The suspects
Defence headquarters said on Tuesday that a “terror kingpin” on the list of wanted terrorists of Nigerian security forces has been detected in the screening of 486 suspects arrested in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by defence spokesman Major-Gen. Chris Olukolade.
The suspects were nabbed along Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway while travelling in over 33 Hiace Hummer buses at night on June 15.
Olukolade said the identified terror kingpin had been taken into custody and that “further development would be communicated in due course”.
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He said that so far, other security agencies including the para-military had joined in the screening exercise to ascertain the status of the remaining suspects.
Those identified as possible security risk or illegal immigrants were expected to be identified for further action.
The suspects were arrested on Sunday along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway by soldiers attached to the 144 battalion of the Nigerian Army, Asa, Ukwa West LGA, Abia State.
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The men, aged between 16 and 24, were being conveyed in 33 buses when they were stopped at the road between Aro-Ngwa and Imo Gate along the expressway.
Some of the buses conveying more persons were said to have sped off and escaped arrest.
They could not disclose their destination, according to state government officials, but said they were looking for jobs.
They are classified as Boko Haram suspects by the officials while investigation continues.
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