In a major breakthrough, the Nigerian Army has claimed that it has arrested a Boko Haram terrorist, who played a key role in the abdution of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok back in April.
The terrorist, identified as Babuji Ya'ari, is said to have been also involved in the Divisional Police Headquarters bombing in Shani, including the attack that killed the Emir of Gwoza, Idris Timta.
Nigerian daily Vanguard, citing a statement from the Director of Defence Information - Major General Chris Olukolade, claimed that the arrested Boko Haram leader was hiding among people, claiming to be part of a local vigilante group. He also owns a local business, which the Nigerian investigators say is a front for the group to gather intelligence.
It is reported that Ya'ari was part of the Youth Vigilante Group, popularly known as Civilian JTF. He was using the vigilante cover to gather intelligence, the report stated.
The captured Boko Haram terrorist has reportedly been actively involved with the Islamic group since 2011 and has coordinated several deadly attacks in Maiduguri, including bombings on Customs and military locations, as well as the planting of IEDs in several locations in the town.
Following the arrest of Ya'ari, the investigators gathered vital information from him during interrogation. His revealations has led to the arrest of several other Boko Haram intelligence cell members.
In a major breakthrough, the Nigerian investigators have found that Boko Haram has been using women. The Nigerian Army has now arrested two women.
It is reported that one of them - Hafsat Bako - had managed to escape to Gombe State but was tracked by the Army and arrested. The Army has found that Hafsat was responsible for coordinating the payment of other operatives. The report also noted that each Boko Haram operative gets at least N10,000 ($61) for carrying out an attack.
Another Boko Haram woman leader - Haj Kaka - also has been arrested. It is reported that she doubled both as a fighter and a spy for the group.
