DSS in custody of ex-FG lead negotiator – Official

Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that the Abuja-Kaduna train hostage lead negotiator of the Federal Government, Tukur Mamu, who was arrested in Egypt, Tuesday, is the agency’s custody.

Mamu was reportedly arrested on Tuesday, at the Cairo International Airport on his way to Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj, along with his family.

The former lead negotiator for the Nigerian government with the terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, is also the Publisher of Kaduna-based newspaper, Desert Herald.

He is also the media aide to Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi.

He was detained for 24 hours at the Cairo International Airport before being repatriated back to Nigeria.

Mamu, however, informed a national daily in a chat that he left Nigeria on Tuesday and there was nothing incriminating found in his possession.

He said after being investigated by Egyptian security agencies, they told him his papers were valid and they could not detain him in Cairo.

Mamu was the lead negotiator in the hostage incident that followed the Abuja-Kaduna train attack where over 60 passengers were kidnapped.

Mamu, however, pull out as the lead negotiator after he alleged threats to his life and blackmail from powers that be.

He, however, remains in touch with negotiations, as most confirmation reports on fresh hostage releases on the ill-fated train have come from him.

A statement issued by the DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, Wednesday confirmed that ‘Mamu was intercepted by Nigeria’s foreign partners in Cairo, Egypt on 6th September 2022 while on his way to Saudi Arabia.’

He added that Mamu was returned to the country on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

“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 DSS statement read.