BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Department of State Services on Monday said the manhunt for the notorious kidnap kingpin, Terwase Akwaza (aka Ghana), has led to the arrest of some of his close associates.
Those currently in DSS’ custody are: Dondo Orsaa, Terhile Mbaloha and Teryima Ihiambe aka Clark who were apprehended at various locations within Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State for their sustenance of kidnap operations across Benue and Taraba States.
The Service stated that during the operation, one (1) AK-47 rifle, a 9mm Pistol, ammunition and complete set of Army uniforms were recovered from Orsaa just as one Terna Sapko, an informant to the Akwaza syndicate was arrested around the Army Barracks in Takum, Taraba State.
According to the Service, these successes were recorded based on its tactical operations planned and executed with sister agencies and targeted at kidnappers, terrorists and other high profile criminals across the country.
For instance, in Edo State, the DSS on June 9, 2017 at Aviele, Etsako West LGA, arrested fifteen (15) kidnap suspects led by a dismissed soldier, Lance Corporal Samaila Madu while another member of the gang, Ibrahim Topa sustained gunshot injury on his left leg while he was trying to escape.
Similarly, in Ebonyi State, one Chinonso Onwe (a.k.a Abino Flash) was arrested at Izhia community, Ohaukwu LGA on June 1, 2017, by the Service in collaboration with the community’s Security Council for armed robbery and kidnapping.
A statement by the DSS signed by Tony Opuiyo said Onwe was identified to be a member of the Black Axe confraternity, adding that during his arrest, two locally made pistols and a pair of Nigerian Army fatigue was recovered from him.
According to Opuiyo; “Prior to these arrests, the Service, in collaboration with the Military, on 11th May, 2017, at the Kano State stretch of the Falgore Forest, arrested five (5) suspected Kidnappers and Cattle rustlers namely– Sani Hassan (aka Ashana); Suleiman Abdullahi (aka Dogo Sule); Bashiru Abdullahi (aka Lamo); Amadu Abdullahi (aka Mallam); and Auwalu Sanda (aka Maitaru).
“Also, on 17th May, 2017, along the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) road, Rivers State, the Service arrested one Alesa Abdulkarim, for his alleged involvement in the kidnap of one Mayowa Akinkuade.
“Similarly, on 19th May, 2017, at Achala Autonomous Community, Obowo LGA, Imo State, the Service arrested one Chinyere Onyeanulum for his connection with the kidnap of one Jennifer Chizitere Anuruo.
“Concerned with the plethora of kidnappings on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, the Service, on 28th May, 2017, arrested Aminu Aliyu in Sokoto State for the kidnap of Ifeanyi Amos (a Nigerian Army Captain) on 27th May, 2017 along the Jaji-Kaduna Highway.
“On 7th June, 2017, the Service also arrested Yusuf ALIYU at Ungwar Danmani, Rigasa, Kaduna-North LGA, for his suspected membership of the syndicate terrorizing users of the Abuja-Kaduna Road.
“Again, on 9th June, 2017, at Dankande village, Rigachiku, Igabi LGA, Kaduna State, the Service confronted a notorious kidnap gang. Though Isah BAKI, leader of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds, three (3) of his members namely: Hassan Abdullahi (22 years), Abubakar Abdullahi (27 years) and Suleiman Abdullahi (30 years) were arrested”, the DSS spokesman said.
He further said that; “On the same 9th June, 2017, along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Express Road in Kaduna, the Service engaged another dangerous kidnap group and arrested two of its members: Yusuf Sani and Yusuf Adamu. Two (2) AK-47 rifles and nine (9) live ammunitions were recovered from the suspects who are currently being interrogated.”
