UPDATE: UK, US thank Nigeria as DSS foils Boko Haram attack on embassies in Abuja
- DSS says it arrested five ISIL-connected terrorists while planning attacks on foreign embassies in Abuja
- The attacks, the secret police said, were foiled on March 25 and 26, 2017
- The US and UK governments have expressed gratitude to Nigeria for protecting its embassies in Nigeria
- For more reports on the activities of the Nigerian government against Boko Haram, please visit: https://www.legit.ng/tag/boko-haram.html
The Department State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of five suspects who had allegedly concluded plans to attack the United States and United Kingdom embassies in Abuja.
Vanguard reports that a statement by DSS official Tony Opuiyo said it busted the ISIS-linked Boko Haram members based in Benue state and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said: “The group had perfected plans to attack the UK and American Embassies and other western interests in Abuja.
“During the operation to thwart this plan, five key suspects, namely: Isa Jibril, Jibril Jibril, Abu Omale Jibril, Halidu Sule and Amhodu Salifu, were arrested.”
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The statement added that several other arrests were made of terrorists in other parts of the country.
It read: "Earlier, on 22nd March, 2017, at Fika, Yobe State, a 20 year old Boko Haram member, Adamu DATTI was arrested.
"He confessed his involvement in executing the sinister activities of the group. Read Also; DSS Arrests Boko Haram Top Commanders And Other Criminal Gangs
"In the month of April, two (2) suspected Ansaru kingpins, Ahmed MOMOH and Al-amin Mohammed JAMIN were arrested on 4th April, 2017 at Igarra, Akoko Edo LGA, Edo State.
"The duo were confirmed associates of Abu UWAIS, a main Ansaru kingpin terrorizing residents in Kogi and Edo States.
"While these terrorists are already undergoing detailed investigations, the Service stepped up its efforts at stamping out the menace of kidnapping.
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"In Rivers State for instance, Daniel DIBIAMAKA was arrested on 24th March, 2017 at Obio/Akpor LGA, for his complicity in the kidnap of one Emmanuel Orji UKAH on 20th January, 2017.
"On that same day, Godsgift ISIOMA was arrested over his plan to kidnap one Dr. G.N DOUGLAS."
The BBC reports that the US embassy in Abuja has expressed its appreciation of the DSS's efforts in "fighting terrorism".
It quoted the US embassy as saying it had a "strong partnership in countering violent extremism" with Nigeria.
On UK's part, BBC quoted an unnamed spokesman as saying the British government is grateful for the stopped attack.
The spokesman said: "We are grateful for the support we receive from the Nigerian security authorities in protecting UK diplomatic staff and premises in Nigeria. We are in regular contact with the Nigerian security authorities concerning potential threats to UK interests in Nigeria."
Meanwhile, Legit.ng gathered that the UNICEF has raised the alarm over the increasing number of children that Boko Haram insurgents are using for their attacks on different parts of Nigeria.
According to the UN children's agency, the insurgents have used 27 children as bombers in the first three months of 2017, three times the 9 they used in the same period in 2016.
Some survivors of Boko Haram attacks narrate their experience to Legit.ng TV crew. Watch:
Source: Legit.ng
