Top Boko Haram Leader Khalid Albarnawi Arrested in Kogi

A top level leader of the Boko Haram terrorist sect, Khalid Albarnawi, is reported to have been arrested near a military facility in Lokoja, Kogi state on Friday.

This comes following a series of tweets published by Ahmad Salkida, a journalist renowned for his access to top Boko Haram militants.

Albarnawi, who is the leader of a 2012 breakaway faction of Boko Haram, known as Ansaru, was reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

He is believed to be as influential as Ibrahim Shekau, with contacts in various Islamic terrorist groups within North Africa and the Middle East.

Salkida tweeted that Albarnawi has reconciled his group Ansaru with the leadership of Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), also known as Boko Haram.

Update on Barnawi: Surprised that the Nigerian authorities have not denied nor confirm this high level arrest after several queries.

— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) April 2, 2016

Update on Barnawi: he was arrested at 9am yesterday close to a military facility in Lokoja, Kogi, not Niger State – Intelligence sources.

— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) April 2, 2016

He had yesterday stated the arrest was made in Niger

Breaking News: Reports reaching me say, Nigeria's apex security agency has recorded one of "its greatest feat in the war on terror."

— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) April 1, 2016

If true, the arrest of Barnawi is one of the biggest. He was picked up in Niger State, close to a security facility – Said the source

— Ahmad Salkida (@ContactSalkida) April 1, 2016