Troops arrest four notorious kidnappers, rescue victim in Taraba

In a series of coordinated operations, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have apprehended four suspected kidnappers, rescued a victim, and recovered a stolen vehicle in Taraba State. 

The Army disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. 

“On 1 December 2024, troops stationed at the Pupule checkpoint in Yoro Local Government Area (LGA) successfully arrested Usman Abubakar, a notorious kidnap suspect linked to the m4rder of Alhaji Abba Buba and the abduction of three individuals in Manzala Village,” the statement read.

“During the initial investigation, Usman identified Malam Ali Buba, a notorious criminal fugitive, as one of his accomplices. 

“Acting on this intelligence, the troops tracked and raided their hideout in Manzala Village, leading to the apprehension of key suspects and the dismantling of their criminal network

“Leveraging on credible intelligence, on 2 December 2024, troops intercepted two suspected kidnappers, Musa Mohammadu and Dahiru Abdul, who had kidnapped and physically assaulted Mr. Yaya Kunini along the Maraban Apawa-Zing road. The victim was rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family.

“In a separate development on 2 December 2024, following the theft of a vehicle at Patient Event Center in Jalingo, troops deployed at Lankaviri discovered the stolen vehicle, a red Toyota vehicle with registration number KRM-132-AA Taraba State, abandoned along the Lankaviri -Jimlari – Maraban Zing road with a flat tire. 

“The vehicle was subsequently handed over to its rightful owner, Miss Freedah Ibrahim of Jalingo, bringing relief to the victim. 

“The Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa commended the troops for their vigilance and swift action. 

“He reiterate the Brigade’s resolve to rid Taraba State of criminal elements. 

“He also urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations across the State.”