It seems as if finally the citizens have started to internalize the fight against people who have for so long made their lives unbearable and cost them countless number of lives. This is because the determination of Volunteer Vigilance Youths Group (VVYG) and men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State has started yielding positive fruits in the fight against terrorism as members arrested 31 Boko Haram terrorists at various locations in Maiduguri at the weekend.
The gallantry of this young men drew ovations and commendations from residents and soldiers, as they went after the fleeing suspects after the destruction of their training camps at Sambisa Games Reserves Forests (SGRF) and Kirenoa, a border community with Chad.
According to the VVYG Chairman, Abubakar Mallum, and his vice, Isa Musa, the suspects were nabbed at NEPA Market junction, Anguwar Doki, Shuwari II and Gambouru Market areas of Maiduguri. He added that the terrorists have already been handed over to the various JTF local sector commanders for further investigation.
The fleeing terrorists had attacked Ansarudeen Secondary School, as well as fishermen and traders at Alau Dam, killing 22 people, including nine students writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) on Baga Road.
Speaking on their modus operandi yesterday in Maiduguri, Mallum said youth vigilance group “operates at strategic locations with ordinary sticks and cutlasses, without any rifle like the soldiers that patrol the major streets and roads of Maiduguri.”
According to him, “all vehicles are stopped at these strategic locations, and we search their interiors, boots and hoods, where some of the rifles are hidden to launch attacks in this city.”
In a breakdown of the arrests made at the weekend, Mallum disclosed that on Friday, four suspects were arrested in Shuwari ward, while the following day, five were arrested and handed over to the nearest local sector commander of JTF.
Last Wednesday, he said, 15 suspected armed Boko Haram members were also arrested at Gambouru Market, while the residents were cooperating to end the incessant attacks and killings in the state.
Meanwhile, the JTF Sunday also commended the youths for the joint manhunt of fleeing Boko Haram suspects. According to its spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, “the JTF commended these youths for assisting our soldiers and police arrest these terrorists suspects among people living in the metropolis.
“The youths have also renewed their efforts in supporting the JTF in the current operations.”
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