Counter terrorism: ‘Chief-Butcher’ of Balmo forest arrested-Police
The Police have arrested a ranking member of Boko Haram, one Mohammed Zakari alleged to be the ‘chief butcher’ among terrorists fleeing counter terrorism operations by security forces in Balmo forest, Bauchi State. A statement by the spokesman of the Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Frank Mba said, “Police detectives attached to Bauchi State […]
The Police have arrested a ranking member of Boko Haram, one Mohammed Zakari alleged to be the ‘chief butcher’ among terrorists fleeing counter terrorism operations by security forces in Balmo forest, Bauchi State.
A statement by the spokesman of the Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Frank Mba said, “Police detectives attached to Bauchi State Police Command on Saturday, 12/7/2014 about 2pm have arrested one Mohammed Zakari, a male of 30 years old and senior member of the Boko Haram terrorists’ organization.”
Mba said the suspect was arrested along Darazo-Basrika Road while fleeing from the intensive counter insurgency operations going on around the Balmo Forest.
“The suspect, who hails from Kaigamari Village, Daptchari in Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State is the self-styled “chief butcher” of the insurgent group at the Balmo Forest Camp and is linked with the recent slaughter of seven (7) people, including women and children,” Mba added.
He said findings as well as disclosures from the suspect will assist the law enforcement agencies in tracking down some other members of the terror cell.
Mba noted that, investigation has revealed that the suspect was tutored in the art of insurgency at Gombe Forest under the leadership of a fleeing insurgent, one Abba Taura and moved to Balmo Forest only three months ago.
Investigation also disclosed that the suspect actively participated in the April attack on Customs officers at Kari Town, along Maiduguri Road, Bauchi State, Mba stated.
He also said, the Police High Command called on the citizens in the affected areas to be on guard for any suspicious or strange character fleeing from Balmo Forest.