Wanted Boko Haram mastermind arrested, ‘fatally wounded’

Habib Bama, a suspected Boko Haram member, who was declared wanted by the State Security Service (SSS) on 15 February for allegedly masterminding the bombing of some public institutions, has been arrested.

But according to the News Agency of Nigeria, he was ‘fatally wounded’ at the point of arest, a euphemism for being captured dead.

A competent source in the SSS told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Bama, an ex-soldier, was arrested on Thursday during a shoot out with the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe.

Bama is alleged to have masterminded the bombing of the Mogadishu Barracks Mammy market, Police Force Headquarters and UN building, all in Abuja, and some churches in Madalla in Niger.The bombings took place on Dec. 31, 2010, June 16, 2011 and Aug. 26, 2011, respectively.

NAN gathered that the suspect was “fatally wounded’’ during the shoot out.

The SSS had in a statement on Feb. 15, 2012, declared  Habibu Bama, wanted in connection with “crime against the state’’.“He is hereby declared wanted by the Federal Government in connection with crimes against the state.“Members of the public with any information that could lead to his arrest are here implored to immediately contact the nearest police station, military formations or other security agencies,’’ it said.The statement said that Bama, a Kanuri from Borno State, is also known as “Shuaibu Bama” and “Habib Mamman”.