Troops arrest notorious kidnap kingpin who abducted 20 people and collected over N70m ransom in Taraba

Gallant troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a notorious kidnapper, Suleiman Ahmad, in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State. 

Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, November 17, 2024, said Ahmad confessed to have abducted 20 individuals and extorted over 70 million Naira from his victims. 

According to the statement, troops also arrested one of Ahmad’s accomplices and a suspected gunrunner identified as Hussaini. 

“Following a well-coordinated sting operation in the general areas of Maraban Abare, Bomanda, and Karamuke village which was aimed at curbing kidnapping activities in Lau Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State,” the statement read.

“On 12 November 2024, the gallant and dedicated troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper, Suleiman Ahmad, a resident of Bomanda village.

“During an initial investigation, Suleiman Ahmad confessed to the abduction of approximately 20 individuals within Lau LGA and revealed that he had extorted over 70 million Naira from his victims. The suspect further admitted to having an AK 47 rifle, which he used in his criminal operations.

“In a follow-up operation on 15 November 2024, our troops successfully recovered the AK 47 rifle from a concealed location and apprehended one of Ahmad’s accomplices. The suspect, identified as Hussaini, a suspected gunrunner, was arrested at his residence in the Mayo Dassa area of Lau LGA.

“6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. We will continue to deploy all necessary resources to dismantle criminal networks and protect law-abiding residents from the scourge of kidnapping and other forms of violent crime. 

“The cooperation and support of the public are crucial in achieving these objectives, and we encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.”