Army confirms arrest of suspected Boko Haram financier in Borno

Col. Sani Usman

 The Nigeria Army said on Tuesday that troops operating around Bama have arrested a suspected Boko Haram financier in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State..

The acting Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman said in a statement issued in Abuja that a sum of one million naira and other items were found on the suspect.

``Troops have intercepted and arrested a suspected Boko Haram financier and stimulants dealer … in Bama, Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

``The suspect, a native of Ngurosoye from Shuari village in Bama, was arrested with the sum of one million naira cash and some items.

``Investigation revealed that Mohammed supplies the terrorists with Kolanuts and other items, especially stimulants.

``It has also been revealed that kolanuts are in high demand among the terrorists as it keeps them active at night.

``It is apparent also that he plies Maiduguri-Dikwa-Kulli axis where he gathers monetary and other material contributions from Boko Haram sympathisers along that axis and sends same to the terrorists camps,’’ the statement said.

The statement added that troops on a joint patrol on Monday raided a Boko Haram camp at Bulungwa-Naibe in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno.

It said some terrorists were killed and items recovered in the operation carried out by troops of 112 Battalion and Special Forces in Mafa and Dikwa.

According to the statement, items recovered include one Buffalo vehicle mounted with an anti-aircraft gun, a rocket propelled grenade, two machine guns and one sub-machine gun.

It said other items recovered include 5 AK-47 rifles, 1 Fabrique Nationale rifle and two sewing machines used for sewing uniforms by the terrorists.

Usman said troops and their commanders were in high spirits and remained committed to the major objective of ending insurgency in the shortest possible time. (NAN)