Moroccan and Togolese Nationals Arrested for Criminal Activities in Nigeria
In a significant development, Nigerian security agencies have apprehended three foreign nationals, specifically from Morocco and Togo, identified as key players in a series of grave crimes, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. This operation was part of the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military and police to combat rising criminal activities that threaten the safety of citizens.
The Nigerian troops involved in Operation HADIN KAI made a vital arrest of a suspected Moroccan terrorist who has alleged connections with the Islamic State (ISIS). This arrest occurred during a military operation aimed at thwarting an attack by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Cross Kauwa in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. Security sources have hailed this capture as a significant breakthrough in intelligence, following a series of operations conducted after a failed terrorist assault.
In another operation in Kwara State, the Nigeria Police Force successfully thwarted a planned kidnapping and extortion scheme, apprehending two Togolese individuals supposedly involved in the plot. This operation aligns with the strategic policing vision spearheaded by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu. During this intervention, a mobile phone used by the suspects to issue menacing calls was seized, providing crucial evidence against them.
The incidents were triggered by a report lodged by a local resident, S. Ismaila, who had received multiple threatening calls demanding a ransom of N22 million to prevent his abduction. The caller also issued threats against Ismaila's younger brother, promising harm if the ransom was not paid. In response to this alarming report, police operatives initiated an intelligence-driven strategy, leading to the swift identification and arrest of the suspects, Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia. Both individuals allegedly confessed to their involvement in the extortion and kidnapping conspiracy during police interrogations.
This recent spate of arrests underscores the ongoing challenges that Nigeria faces regarding internal security and the involvement of foreign nationals in criminal activities. The Nigerian authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and will continue to implement strategic operations to dismantle such networks of crime.
As reported by businessday.ng.
