Christian group lauds DSS over arrest of suspects linked to Papiri school abduction

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS), led by Director General Oluwatosin Ajayi, following the arrest of five suspects linked to the Papiri school abduction.

The Eagle Online reported earlier that the DSS intercepted a syndicate of five arms couriers.

This network included two foreign nationals from the Niger Republic.

Security forces seized 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of live ammunition hidden inside a vehicle.

Key individuals apprehended include Yusuf Mohammed (alias Bature)—a wanted Boko Haram member—Mubarak Ibrahim, international arms runner Goni Ibrahim, Tukur Sani, and Alhaji Adamu (alias Gado Banufe).

Investigations tied this syndicate directly to the logistics and weapon supply for the gunmen who raided St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Monday, the Chairman of the association, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said people of good conscience should not only criticise government when it fails to meet expectations but should also acknowledge positive outcomes whenever they occur.

According to him, the arrest of those allegedly involved in supplying arms to criminal elements underscores the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations in tackling insecurity across the country.

He said dismantling the networks that provide logistics and weapons to terrorists is critical to reducing the capacity of such groups to carry out attacks on innocent citizens and vulnerable communities.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel who continue to put their lives on the line despite being frequent targets of terrorist attacks, NCA urged security agencies to ensure that investigations are thorough and that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.

The Christian group stressed that accountability would serve as a deterrent to individuals and groups bent on destabilising the country.

Hayab urged them not to be discouraged in their commitment to protecting the nation as he expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among security agencies, communities and other stakeholders would help advance the collective goal of a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria.

The NCA chairman, however, called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts against terrorism and other forms of violent crime to restore public confidence and strengthen national security.