Nigeria Defense Official Claims Terror Kingpin Among Hundreds Arrested In Abia State

A military spokesman, General Chris Olukolade, has stated that  an unnamed terror kingpin was among close to 500 passengers in buses who were arrested in Abia State. The 486 passengers, who are northerners, were arrested a few days ago in a sweep by Nigerian security officials in Abia state.
The statement, which was issued today by Major General Chris Olukolade, appeared to back away from earlier claims that the individuals arrested were members of dreaded Boko Haram sect headed to the SouthEast to foment trouble.


Several Nigerians have condemned the arrests, stating that they represent ethnic profiling of 
Nigerians in their homeland.

Below is a text of General Olukolade's press release:
A terror kingpin in the list of wanted terrorists of security forces in Nigeria have been detected in the ongoing screening of the 486 suspects napped while travelling in over 33 Hiace Hummer buses at night along Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway last Sunday. 

So far other security agencies including the para-military have joined the screening exercise to ascertain the status of the remaining suspects.  Those identified as possible security risk or illegal immigrants are expected to be identified for further action.

Meanwhile, the identified terror kingpin has been taken into custody.  Further development will be communicated to you in due course.


CHRIS  OLUKOLADE
Major General
Director Defence Information
 
Credits: SR, New York