‘How we arrested Boko Haram suspects in Izala uniform’

Usman, the Boko Haram suspect arrested by the Izala group

The National Director of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’iqamatis Sunna (JIBWIS), Malam Mustapha Imam Sitti, has said that vigilance and new security measures that were put in place by the group led to the recent arrest of two suspected Boko Haram members.

Speaking to Daily Trust in Zaria, he said the first suspect was arrested while disguised as a member of the Izala first aid group, popularly known as ‘Yan Agaji’. This suspect was found fully- attired in the uniform.
“The Nigerian military had issued advice to all religious groups in the country, and following that, we introduced certain security measures. Through those measures, our members can identify themselves anywhere they meet. This was how we arrested the suspect, called Usman, and handed him over to the police,” Sitti said.
Sitti added also said recently, the leader of his group’s first aid team in Soba local government was hacked to death with a machete. “So the arrest of these suspects has made us believe that Boko Haram killed him. We’ll continue to be vigilant,” he said.
While confirming the arrest, Police Area Commander in charge of Zaria headquarters, Muhammad D. Shehu advised residents of Zaria and its environs to be “extra-vigilant”, especially in places of worship, markets and other public places which Boko Haram tends to target.