SSS raids another Boko Haram leader’s home

• Recover pornographic tapes
• IGP, SSS DG meet on how to tackle sect.


The State Security Service (SSS) took the battle against the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to the home of yet another of its ring leaders in Abuja at the weekend.
Operatives of the agency, acting on information, raided the home of Bashiru Madalla in the Federal Capital Territory.
The man identified as the co-ordinator of the sect in the FCT and Niger State is however on the run.
He is believed to be a close ally of Habibu Bama, the ex-soldier declared wanted last week by the SSS in connection with the Christmas day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla.
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: "We have identified the coordinator of Boko Haram operations in FCT and Niger State, Bashiru Madalla. Although he is on the run, we succeeded in locating his home.
"We raided his residence in Madalla and retrieved many sensitive documents and pornographic films. It really baffled our agents that we could find such.
"We have launched a manhunt for Bashiru wherever he may be either in Nigeria or outside.
"From intelligence gathering, the suspect also facilitated most of the bombings in Niger State and the FCT."
Responding to a question, the source said: "The operation against Boko Haram is yielding results we have a reasonable number of their leaders with us."
The SSS has however foreclosed the return of the recaptured Kabiru Sokoto to the Police although it will allow any security agency to interrogate the suspect within its facility.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the SSS, Mr. Ita Ekpenyong and the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar have held a closed door meeting on how to tackle the Boko Haram menace.
On the fate of Kabiru Sokoto, who was re-arrested in Taraba State, the source said: "The suspect is still with the SSS, we have not handed him over to the Nigeria Police or any security agency. In fact, we have never handed over our suspect to any agency and we will not start now.
"We know that there are sister agencies, like the police, investigating the activities of Kabiru Sokoto. We will allow them access to Kabiru Sokoto in detention for interrogation.
"So far, we have not received any official request from either the police or any agency for an interaction with Kabiru Sokoto."
A reliable source said: "The two security chiefs met for hours on how to tackle the Boko Haram challenge. In the past, each service tried to work alone but the two leaders are after synergy.
"From the outcome of the session, the police and the SSS will have more collaboration than it had been before.
"They are also looking for a working tie beyond the menace of Boko Haram."