News

Nigerian Army Captures 10 Suspected Kidnappers in Coordinated Raids Across Taraba State

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 24, 2024

News Views: 91

In a series of coordinated operations across Taraba State, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully apprehended 10 individuals suspected of kidnapping. These operations, targeting criminal activities in the state’s three senatorial districts, have also uncovered links to prominent terrorist leaders.

Captain Oni Olubodunde, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, announced the arrests on Tuesday. The operations yielded the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 33 rounds of ammunition, further implicating the suspects in broader terrorist activities.

“the operations, which were conducted with precision and professionalism, took place in the early hours of 22 July 2024 at Galeri and Kwondo Villages of Ardo-Kola and Bali Local Government Areas after a tip-off from a credible source,” Olubodunde stated.

The rapid and coordinated response of the 6 Brigade troops led to the capture of two suspects, Ali Ibrahim, aka Yellow, and Wetti Alhaji Ibrahim. “Recovered from the suspects were an AK-47 rifle and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” Olubodunde added.

The suspects admitted to working with a notorious terrorist leader, Kadogo Fun, who operates in Bangalala and Kampani Zurak in Plateau State. They also confessed to acting as mercenaries for other terrorist groups in Plateau, Adamawa, and Taraba States.

In another operation targeting incessant attacks and kidnappings by terrorist groups in Southern Taraba State, the Brigade conducted weeks of covert intelligence-led activities, resulting in the apprehension of eight more suspects.

The eight suspects are Emmanuel Michael, aka Assay, Gabriel Samuel, aka Badoo, Fidelis Lumu Utuna, Edward Ochan, John Orhenbaga, Desmond Agbo, Thomas Ikyar, and Shafiu Shaibu, aka Odogwu. During a search of one suspect’s house, authorities found 10 military camouflage uniforms, ₦60,000, and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang leader was once part of Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana’s gang.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigations and possible prosecution” Olubodunde concluded.