Troops Nab Five Fleeing Terrorists, Logistics Suppliers in North East *Politicians recruiting B'Haram to launch attacks in Zamfara, Gov Matawalle alleges *Army dismisses three soldiers over cultism

The current clampdown on fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east region has paid off with the arrest of five fleeing insurgents and logistics suppliers.

This is coming as Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle,on Monday raised the alarm that politicians in the state were recruiting Boko Haram fighters in order to destabilise the state.

Also, three serving personnel of the Nigerian Army were dismissed and handed over to the police  for prosecution following their involvement in a cult initiation process in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

An update on the war against insurgency released by the Nigerian Army revealed that five key terrorists and logistics suppliers were apprehended in the course of "Operation Positive Identification" launched to crack down on fleeing insurgents from the North-east.

The operation required residents and travelers in the North-east to identify themselves using valid identity cards, international passport, voters' card, and national identity cards.

"Following the commencement of Operation Positive Identification" by the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) across the North Eastern part of Nigeria, troops have intensified searching for and arresting all suspected criminal elements that roam parts of the North Eastern part of Nigeria.

"Consequently, five key terrorist logistics suppliers and fighters have so far been apprehended", a statement by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col Ado Isa, said. 

Meanwhile, Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State raised the alarm that some politicians in the state were collaborating with the terrorist group, Boko Haram, to destabilise the state by launching attacks on seven local governments of the state.

He said intelligence reports indicated that the attacks were targeted at seven local government councils and other strategic places in the state.

A statement signed by the Director of Press, Idris Gusau, said two important personalities were targeted for elimination.

He said the recruited terrorists were to launch attacks beteen September 23 and 25.

"Zamfara State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Bello Mohammed MON (Matawallen Maradun) wish to announce that it is in possession of credible intelligence reports suggesting that some disgruntled politicians of the state origin are making clandestine moves to destabilise the state. 

"They are intending for sinister and personal gains, collaborating with dispersed elements of Boko Haram, to launch series of attacks on innocent and peace loving people of the State in order to scuttle the relative peace being currently enjoyed as a result of the peace and dialogue process initiated by the present administration", the statement said. 

Governor Matawalle lamented the unpatriotic disposition of some politicians to the extent of plotting to visit the state with destruction.

"Matawalle notes with total dismay the unpatriotic attitudes of some evil politicians and their collaborators to cause mayhem and visit destruction on the lives of innocent citizens and properties ostensibly to gain personal relevance while forgetting that security is a collective responsibility of all well meaning citizens of the State irrespective of their political affiliation. He declared this as completely unacceptable", it said.

Zamfara State government said: "according to the intelligence report, the cruel and mischievious elements have perfected plans to launch the attacks in seven local government areas of the state and in other strategic places within the state capital. 

"According to the report, two important personalities of the state are also targeted for elimination should this dastardly act succeed."

It said the targets of attack include Gusau which doubles as the state capital, Tsafe, Talata Mafara, Anka, Zurmi, Maru and Maradun. 

Other strategic places targeted are  Gusau Central Mosque and Gusau Mammy Market where soft targets are known to gather both day and night. 

The governor appealed to the people of state not to panic as security measures were already in place to forstall such eventuality.