The Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended a suspected Boko Haram member, Isiah Jafaru, also known as Nabida, who was reportedly evading capture after military operations in the Northeast.
The arrest took place in Iloro Ekiti following a targeted search initiated by NSCDC operatives due to the suspect’s suspicious behaviour in the area.
According to SC Afolabi Tolulope, the command’s spokesperson, initial investigations identified the suspect as a senior figure within the terrorist group who had relocated to Iloro Ekiti, while other members of the group dispersed across the state.
State Commandant Dr. Sosina Paul, while presenting the suspect, noted that the command’s Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Unit had been actively pursuing fleeing members of the group to prevent their reorganization within the state.
He emphasized that the NSCDC would collaborate with other security agencies to ensure Ekiti remains secure during the festive period.
Dr. Sosina stated that the suspect would be transferred to the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for further interrogation, underscoring the importance of community vigilance.
He urged residents to familiarize themselves with their neighbours and for traditional leaders and landowners to be cautious about who utilizes their properties, particularly inaccessible forested areas.
The Commandant also encouraged the public to promptly report individuals or groups exhibiting suspicious behaviour to security agencies, assuring that the identities of informants would be protected.
He reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding the public and critical infrastructure through effective intelligence sharing and community cooperation.