The Nigerian military has revealed that it has arrested a suspect fronting for the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram.
Osun Defender reports that the disclosure was made on Monday, 9 June, 2014 by the Coordinator, National Information Center, Mr Mike Omeri at a joint news conference held in Abuja.
Omeri added that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested the unnamed man extorting money from some influential Nigerians allegedly to protect them.
The coordinator, who is also the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), said the suspect was being interrogated.
“This is, therefore, an advice and warning signal to Nigerians to be vigilant on the activities of such characters using Boko Haram as a franchise,’’ he said.
* Nigerian military spokesman, Chris Olukolade
He also called for understanding from all Nigerians on some of the measures being adopted by security agencies in addressing the current security challenge in some parts of the country.
Omeri stated that all the actions they are taking are meant to guarantee safety and not punitive measure.
Also speaking at the conference, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, Director, Defence Information, said the current check on vehicles conveying newspapers to different areas of the country from their production point was not a clampdown.
“Please bear it in mind; this is not a military clampdown.
“Whatever check you see is not aimed at disturbing the business of the media; that’s why we will like to correct the remarks being made on what is going on.
“What we are doing are checks; It is informed by intelligence report on the need to enhance our safety,’’ he said.
The Boko Haram sect is believed to have killed over 4,000 lives since 2009 and are presently holding no fewer than 276 schoolgirls they kidnapped at the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State on 14 April, 2014.
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