Four arrested in Kano after explosions and gunfire

By Kolade Adeyemi, Kano 

Four Boko Haram members were arrested yesterday by men of the Kano Joint Task Force at Tinshama in Hotoro Quarters of the ancient city.

A policeman was injured during the encounter and is  receiving treatment in a Kano hospital.

Residents of Tinshama in the outskirts of Kano city woke up yesterday at about 5 a.m. to the sound of  explosions and gunshots.

A resident, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “We were woken up by about six heavy explosions followed by gunshots that lasted for about  one hour, 30 minutes. No one knows in particular but from all indications, we believe that it was between members of Boko Haram and security agencies.

“The sound of the explosions and gunshots was so scary that we had to run away from our homes this morning for fear of the unknown. As I am speaking to you now, I may not go back home today, because for one, there is a heavy security presence around the area.” 

A security source said the JTF invaded the area following  information that Boko Haram members were operating from a hideout there.

 “When they sensed the presence of security, they began to throw dynamite on us but we were able to overpower them, arrested some while the others fled,” said the source.

The Nation learnt that assorted weapons wer recovered from members of the sect.

JTF spokesperson  Ikedichi Onyenonachi Iweha confirmed the story. 

SOURCE: The Nation, 23 February 2012. http://www.thenationonlineng.net