SSS Arrests Boko Haram Spokesman, Abul Qaqa

The State Security Service (SSS) in Borno state today said it has arrested Abul-Qaqa, the spokesman of the Jama'atu Ahlis Sunnati Lidda'awati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram.

A senior official of the SSS who does not want his name in print confirmed that Qaqa was arrested in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

Another officer of the SSS said the chief spokesman was tracked through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

"It was a landmark feat that was achieved through collaboration with various stakeholders," he said.

"Qaqa is a senior member of the Shura (Supreme Council) of the sect and his arrest is probably the biggest ever made by security forces since after the death of the leader of the sect Mohammed Yusuf in 2009," the SSS source said.

"Yes, Mallam was picked yesterday," the member said. "Some security officials traced the house where he stayed and picked him. There was no exchange of gunshots or any scuffle between our members and the security agents," he said.