DSS confirms arrest of train hostage negotiator, Tukur Mamu

The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of Tukur Mamu, a Nigerian publisher and the lead negotiator between bandits who kidnapped Kaduna train passengers and the passengers’ relatives.

TheNewsMatrics had reported that Mamu, who is also the spokesperson of the Kaduna-based cleric, Ahmad Gumi, was arrested on Tuesday by the Interpol operatives in Cairo, Egypt on his way to lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

A statement by the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, on Wednesday, said Mamu was taken into custody on Wednesday to answer to questions relating to some security matters in the country.

According to Afunanya “This is to confirm that Mamu, as a person of interest, was intercepted by Nigeria’s foreign partners at Cairo, Egypt on 6th September, 2022 while on his way to Saudi Arabia.

“He has since been returned to the country, today, 7th September, 2022 and taken into the Service’s custody.

“The act followed a request by Nigeria’s Military, Law Enforcement and Intelligence Community to their foreign partners to bring back Mamu to the country to answer critical questions on ongoing investigations relating to some security matters in parts of the country.

“The public may wish to note that the law will appropriately take its course,” the statement noted.

Mamu, who had announced his withdrawal as the lead negotiator in securing the release of the hostages of the train attack after he alleged a threat to his life by the Nigerian government said he was arrested alongside his two wives and one other person.

Some of the hostages are still in captivity of the terrorists.