The Department of State Services (DSS) Kaduna branch has arrested human rights activist and political commentator Mahdi Shehu for sharing a video suggesting a plot by the French government to establish a terror hub in North-West Nigeria.
According to sources, Shehu is currently in custody in Kaduna and may face court proceedings shortly.
The arrest follows a statement by Niger’s President, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who revealed in an interview that top leaders of the Lakurawa terrorist group, recently arrested, disclosed a plot by the French government to set up a camp in Gaba village, Sokoto State, as a terror hub. Tiani stated that the agreement was signed on March 4, 2024, between ISWAP and the French government, with the forest serving as an operational base for terrorists in the Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi axis.
Tiani claimed that Nigerian leaders were aware of this plot but initially thought it was a joke. He emphasized that Niger could not remain silent about any potential harm to Nigeria, given their close relationship.
Tiani explained that they informed the former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and the office of the National Security Adviser. The NIA boss promised to send a delegation to gather first-hand information on the allegations. The delegation visited various locations, including prisons in Niamey, and interacted with different terrorist groups. The terrorists confirmed the French government’s plot to the delegation, but unfortunately, there was a compromise, leading to the current situation.
