Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly arrested a Yobe-based politician, Alhaji Wakiil Goni Mama, popularly known as Mai Salati, over allegations of providing logistical support to suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The politician was reportedly arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe military personnel to secure the release of suspects detained over suspected terrorist logistics activities in Kanamma, Yobe State.
According to security information reported by Zagazola Makama, the arrest followed intelligence-led operations involving the Commander of Sector 2 and the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Security sources said the investigation centred on allegations that Mai Salati had been supplying logistics to suspected terrorist elements operating in the North-East.
The sources disclosed that troops had earlier arrested several suspects in Kanamma and were preparing them for further investigation when the politician allegedly intervened on their behalf.
He was accused of offering money to soldiers to secure the release of the detained individuals. However, the troops reportedly rejected the alleged bribe and arrested him.
The detained suspects were subsequently moved from Damaturu towards Maiduguri for further interrogation and investigation.
Security sources also dismissed claims circulating on social media that the arrest was politically motivated or connected to the politician’s alleged defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to the sources, the investigation concerns alleged terrorism-related activities and an attempt to interfere with the detention of individuals suspected of supplying logistical support to ISWAP.
Inside Yobe state:
9-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Sets House On Fire, Kills Stepmothers, Brothers In Yobe
Yobe: Troops Kill Terrorist, Arrest Another, Recover AK-47 Rifle
The suspects are expected to undergo further questioning in Maiduguri as investigators work to establish the nature and extent of their alleged connections to terrorist networks.
The military has continued to target supply networks suspected of supporting armed groups. Such networks may facilitate the movement of food, fuel, weapons, money, communication equipment and other materials used by terrorists.
The reported arrest comes amid ongoing security operations against terrorist groups and their suspected support networks across Nigeria’s North-East.
However, the allegations against Mai Salati and the other suspects have not been proven in court. Further investigations are expected to determine whether formal charges will be filed.
About the Author
