Real reasons Yobe politician Mai Salati was arrested by Nigerian Army

Fresh details have emerged linking the arrest of prominent Yobe politician, Wakil Goni Mama, popularly known as Mai Salati, to allegations of providing logistical support to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, terrorists operating in the North-East.

DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that Mr Mai Salati was arrested by troops of Operation HADIN KAI on Saturday following what military sources described as credible intelligence linking him to suspected terrorist collaborators.

The arrest has sparked speculation in different quarters, with some alleging political interference in the matter.

However, credible sources familiar with the operation, who spoke to DAILY NIGERIAN on condition of anonymity, said the politician was arrested over allegations of providing logistical support to members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, and Boko Haram operating in the North-East.

The sources explained that the arrest followed an alleged attempt by Mr Mai Salati to bribe military personnel to secure the release of suspects earlier arrested in Kanamma, Yobe State.

According to the sources, the arrest was the culmination of sustained intelligence-led efforts involving the commander of Sector 2 and the 27 Task Force Brigade to track and apprehend the politician, who was allegedly operating as a high-profile logistics supplier and collaborator for terrorist elements.

The sources said the suspects arrested in Kanamma were being processed for further investigation when Mr Mai Salati allegedly attempted to intervene and secure their release by offering money to soldiers.

The troops, however, reportedly rejected the offer, arrested the politician and commenced the necessary procedures for his transfer to Maiduguri for further investigation and possible legal action.

A video footage seen by DAILY NIGERIAN reportedly shows the politician attempting to offer money to military personnel in connection with efforts to secure the release of the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Yobe Network Against Violent Extremism has urged members of the public and political actors to allow security agencies to conclude their investigation into the case involving Mr Mai Salati, warning against politicising allegations relating to terrorism.

In a statement issued by its convener, Ibrahim Goni, the group said social media speculation and politically coloured narratives surrounding the investigation could distract security agencies from their responsibilities.

The group noted that the North-East had paid an enormous price through years of terrorism, displacement and destruction, with thousands of families affected and security personnel sacrificing their lives to defend communities and restore stability.

It said every credible allegation concerning terrorist financing, logistics, facilitation, recruitment, concealment or material support must be thoroughly investigated, irrespective of a suspect’s political affiliation, social standing or personal connections.

“Political identity must neither be treated as evidence of guilt nor used as a shield against lawful investigation,” the statement said.

The group stressed that an investigation did not amount to a conviction, but maintained that security agencies must be allowed to follow the evidence, establish the facts and take appropriate legal action without intimidation, interference or politically motivated distractions.

It explained that terrorist organisations relied not only on armed fighters but also on networks supplying money, food, fuel, transportation, communications, intelligence and other forms of support.

According to the group, these support networks play a significant role in sustaining terrorist activities, making their dismantling essential to protecting vulnerable communities and consolidating peace in the region.

The group said investigations into suspected financiers, suppliers, facilitators and other collaborators were important components of efforts to weaken terrorist organisations beyond their armed formations.

It urged members of the public, political actors and media organisations to avoid speculation, inflammatory commentary and unverified claims capable of compromising the investigation or undermining public confidence in security institutions.

The group added that the investigation should be guided by evidence and the rule of law rather than political affiliations, public pressure or assumptions about the politician’s guilt or innocence.

“Anyone against whom no evidence is established should be cleared in accordance with the law, while anyone against whom credible evidence is established must face the full legal process,” the statement added.