Six Returnee Pilgrims With Boko Haram Ties Arrested

The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of six pilgrims, who returned from Saudi Arabia, for allegedly being high ranking members of the Boko Haram sect.

Capt. Aliyu Danja, spokesman of the division, said this while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri. Danja said the suspects were arrested shortly after returning from the Hajj.

“I can confirm to you that six pilgrims were arrested at the Maiduguri International Airport on Monday shortly after their return from Saudi Arabia for allegedly being Boko Haram sect members.

“They were arrested for questioning by the authorities,” he said.

Danja said three of the suspects had, however, been released after being found to be innocent of the allegation.

“Three of the suspects have been released while the rest three are still being investigated,” he said.

Danja said that the division had also introduced “aggressive patrol” along the major highways in the state to curtail Boko Haram attacks on travellers.

“My commander does not joke with issues concerning Boko Haram threats. He has ordered for an aggressive patrol along major highways in the state to prevent attacks on innocent souls,” he said.

----PM News, October 23, 2013