The operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested no fewer than five terrorists and recovered two suicide jackets following a raid on the insurgents’ hideouts in Kaduna and Kano states.

The arrested terrorists and others were said to be regrouping in the North-West region of the country to carry out dastardly acts in the area.

The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, made the disclosure via a statement issued on Tuesday, May 16.

Afunanya said the raid was carried out by the DSS officers alongside the troops of the Nigerian Army and the police in the early hours of Monday, May 15.

He noted that during the raid in Kaduna State, the terrorists deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against the fighting forces, adding that one of the insurgents who wore a suicide jacket blew himself up.

READ ALSO: DSS arrests arms’ suppliers in Kano

“While three suspects were arrested, items recovered upon a search on the group’s accommodation, after Police EOD had diffused other IEDs, were two suicide jackets, one AK-47 rifle, a pistol, and one laptop,” the DSS spokesman revealed.

Afunanya stated that the security operatives, in Kano State, arrested two terrorists.

He listed the items recovered from them to include a pistol, 11 mobile phones, two hand grenades, one fully charged AK-47 magazine, two empty AK-47 magazines, one Peugeot 307 car, and an ID card belonging to a suspect that escaped.

“Intelligence had earlier revealed that high profile terrorist targets were regrouping in the North-West to carry out dastardly acts in the area. Notably, the steady Military operations in the North-East have necessitated the insurgents’ escape to the North-West and Central zones where they are establishing active cells,” he added.

Afunanya, however, commended the military and police for their resilience and support which he said led to the success of the operation.

The DSS spokesperson noted that the Service will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to rid Nigeria of criminals, “particularly at this transition period and even beyond”, adding: “This is more so that certain persons are desperate to undermine the process. But the Service will resist this and ensure a seamless event.

“It will always cooperate with stakeholders to achieve a peaceful environment critical to the pursuit of legitimate businesses by law-abiding citizens and residents.”

The Star