Troops smash notorious kidnapping syndicate, arrest 3 suspects in Taraba
By Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing parts of Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas of Taraba State.
Olubodunde Oni, the spokesman of the Army, and acting assistant director, 6 Brigade Army public relations, through a statement issued on Thursday, stated that two of the three suspects, 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.
He disclosed that the troops acting swiftly on an intelligent report, conducted a follow up operation at Kona Mountain on 23 October 2024, during which the leader of the gang, named Dahiru Idi AKA (Yellow) was apprehended.
The spokesman stated that upon interrogation, Dahiru Idi AKA (Yellow), 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
“Also, 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 also 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”. The spokesman added.
Items recovered from the suspects include 3 Rings, 1 Airtel Sim card, 1 itel Phone, Indian hemp and Charms.
While expressing satisfaction with the operations, the Commander, 6 Brigade Command, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, thanked the people of Taraba state for always supporting the Brigade, noting that the fight against terrorism remains one of the top priorities of the military and every effort would be made to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property of the 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.
