A total of 21 persons suspected to be collaborators of Boko Haram terrorists re now in the grip of the Nigerian military. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, announced this in a statement issued on Saturday night.

Giving details, he said: “As part of measures to stem the tide of livestock rustling which serves as another means of funding Boko Haram terrorists activities, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, in conjunction with other security agencies has taken measures to stop the criminality.

“These measures have led to the arrest of some persons involved in aiding and abetting this heinous crime in the Theatre of Operation.

“So far, 21 suspected persons have been arrested.

“Preliminary investigation and profiling of the suspects has commenced.

“Such actions by these unpatriotic elements are likely to jeopardise our collective efforts of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in our country.

“Although investigations are ongoing, it is important to state that this is a warning to all those collaborators that aid and abet terrorism in the north east generally and Borno State in particular, to desist forthwith.

“The Nigerian Army and indeed Operation LAFIYA DOLE would not tolerate such acts of sabotage from anybody.

“Meanwhile, the general public is hereby encouraged to report any known or suspected illegality with regards to Operation LAFIYA DOLE to the Security Agencies.”