Amidst persistent insecurity and banditry in the north east and north west geopolitical regions of Nigeria – that has resulted in thousands of casualties and destruction of properties estimated at billions of Naira – their resilience and capabilities continues to wax stronger within the region virtually undeterred.
Information available to 247ureports.com from a competent source knowledgeable of the activities at the Department of State Services [DSS] revealed an arrest of a notorious bandit, Abubakar Idris was made following an attempt to exit the country for Hajj. The DSS arrested the Abubakar Idris at the point of exit in the company of a lady, Zainab Aliyu Gado. The lady was investigated and offered a conditional release. Her passport was released to her.
Interestingly, the DSS preliminary inquiry at the point of arrest revealed Senator Shehu Buba connection with the notorious bandit, Abubakar Idris. It was gathered that Senator Shehu Buba, at minimum, facilitated and financed Abubakar Idris’ acquisition of a Nigerian passport and proposed trip including accommodation – through his Senate office.
Senator Shehu Buba is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) serving his first term in the 10th National Assembly representing the southern district of Bauchi State.
Yet to be confirmed information suggest Senator Shehu Buba who seats at the sensitive position of Senate Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence has had a long standing relationship with the arrested bandit dating back over 10years. This is according to a source who explains that further investigation will likely uncover more details to the nature of the relationship.
Abubakar Idris is alleged to have been involved in numerous banditry operations in Zamfara State.
Due to the sensitivity of the arrest, the Presidency was quickly alerted. A top political source revealed to 247ureports.com that “he was briefed immediately” of the connection to the Senator who happens to be the security czar in the upper chamber of the legislature.
The DSS indicated it has launched a comprehensive investigation into Senator Shehu Buba’s involvement in sponsoring banditry and has assured a thorough investigation to identify and arrest all individuals linked to this case. Previous intelligence report have suggested repeatedly the connivance between the bandits and the political class as one of the strong reasons for the continued presence of bandits in the region.
Attempts to reach the Senator failed. He was not answering his calls.
Meanwhile, the Senator may have compounded his fate during his Independent day address to his constituents by criticizing President Tinubu for not doing enough to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.
“As we celebrate Nigeria’s 64th independence amidst these very times, I encourage us especially the leaders to soberly reflect, rededicate ourselves to the service of the nation and its great people while relating with the common man in a manner that encourages them to play their part. For Mr President and other leaders at the Federal level, I say that the times call for sober reflection, continuous engagement and determination to do more to alleviate the sufferings of the ordinary people”.
