The Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully rearrested Abdulazeez Obadaki, a high-profile member of the Ansaru terrorist group, who had been on the run since escaping during the infamous Kuje Correctional Centre jailbreak in July 2022. Security sources confirmed his capture on Friday, marking a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria.
Obadaki is notorious for his involvement in a series of lethal attacks across the nation, including the highly coordinated assaults on commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, and the tragic shooting incident at Deeper Life College in Okene, Kogi State, both of which occurred in 2022. His presence in the country posed a grave threat to public safety, prompting extensive search efforts.
The jailbreak, in which Obadaki and 878 other inmates escaped, took place on July 5, 2022, when heavily armed insurgents launched an audacious attack on the facility. The incident raised severe concerns about prison security and the number of high-profile criminals, including terrorists and kidnappers, who were freed.
At the time, the Nigerian Correctional Service had released the names and photographs of several Boko Haram members who escaped, admitting that the numbers might have been understated. Despite initial claims from former Minister of Defence Bashir Magashi that only 64 Boko Haram members escaped, sources indicated that over 201 members were unaccounted for.
The ongoing challenges in maintaining security within custodial facilities emphasize the need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system. The recent capture of Obadaki offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against terrorism, reflecting the tireless efforts of security personnel dedicated to restoring peace and safety within the country.