By Danuma Aliyu

The Nigerian Army and Department of State Services, DSS, have arrested three suspected Boko Haram members in Gombe State.

Army spokesman, Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, said in a statement that the suspects all from Chad were arrested “after painstaking effort of tracking.”

Bilal Muhammed Umar, Bashir Muhammed and Muhammed Maigari Abubakar, reported to be members of Albarnawi faction of the Boko Haram, were arrested on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at Arawa and Mallam Inna areas of Gombe State.

Gen. Usman said the suspects: “were reported to be members of Albarnawi faction of the Boko Haram that operates in Chad and mostly northern part of Borno but came to Gombe State for another heinous assignment.

“During the operation, one of them, Bilal Muhammed Umar attempted to escape and was shot in the leg. He was, however, apprehended and is receiving medical treatment,” he said.

He added that “the suspects are in custody undergoing preliminary investigation.”

The Nigerian Army, led by the of  Chief of Army staff Lt. General Tukur Burata have recorded large gains against the insurgent which gained prominence after the kidnapping of over 200 girls from Chibok, Borno State.

Last year, the Army succeed in recapturing Camp Zairo in Sambisa forest, the last stronghold of the deadly terrorist sect.