DSS captures ex-Shekau fighter reportedly behind deadly Kwara, Niger attacks

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a notorious bandit leader said to be responsible for multiple deadly attacks in Niger and Kwara states.

The suspect, Abubakar Abba, also known as Mamuda, was reportedly arrested in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and moved to Abuja for further interrogation.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed on Thursday that Mamuda, a feared gang leader had long terrorised communities in the Kainji axis, where he allegedly orchestrated a string of kidnappings, killings and raids.

Investigations revealed that Mamuda previously belonged to the Boko Haram faction led by the late Abubakar Shekau before shifting operations to the North West, and later to Niger and Kwara states, where he entrenched himself in banditry.

According to security sources, his capture followed months of sustained intelligence operations aimed at dismantling high-profile criminal networks across the region.