Three suspects arrested as troops smash notorious kidnap syndicate in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Jalingo in Taraba state have smashed a notorious kidnap syndicate and arrested three suspects. 

The Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, said the syndicate has been terrorising Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas. 

“In a decisive operation aimed at combating criminal activities in Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing parts Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas of Taraba State,” the statement read.

“Acting on an intelligence report, the first two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar were apprehended on 22 October 2024 during a raid at a local hotel in Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo metropolis where they were hiding. 

“A search of their mobile phones revealed incriminating evidences including a photograph showing Haruna brandishing an AK 47 rifle alongside another individual at a yet to be identified location. 

“Further investigations led to the discovery that the gang’s hideout was at Kona Mountain in Jalingo LGA, where additional members of the syndicate were believed to be camped. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, troops conducted a follow up operation at Kona Mountain on 23 October 2024. 

“During this operation, the leader of the gang named Dahiru Idi AKA (Yellow) was apprehended. Upon interrogation, he confessed to the recent kidnapping of three individuals, from whom a ransom of 6 million Naira was extorted before their release. 

“The gang leader further disclosed that the two AK 47 rifles used in their operations had been taken to another location by one Yakubu Dogo in preparation for an upcoming operation. Items recovered from the suspects include 3 Rings, 1 Airtel Sim card, 1 itel Phone, Indian hemp and charms.”

Speaking on the successful operations, the Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa thanked the good people of Taraba state for always supporting the Brigade. 

He noted that the fight against terrorism remains one of the top priorities of the military, and every effort will be made to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property of the good people of Taraba State and Nigerians at large. 

He urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant law enforcement agencies.