Army arrests 12 suspected kidnappers in Taraba

Troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, in conjunction with Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested 12 individuals suspected of kidnapping in Taraba State.

The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Oni Olubodunde on Tuesday.

According to Olubodunde, the suspects were apprehended on November 9 at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village near Agu Center, in Takum local government council of the state.

Olubodunde said the arrest was prompted by a distress call from residents of Chachanji village in Takum Local Government Area, followed by the abduction of two individuals by approximately 10 armed men on motorcycles on November 7.

In the operation, the troops reportedly seized 14 motorcycles, a locally fabricated pistol, and two bags of Indian hemp.

Upon approaching the suspected kidnappers, the troops’ superior firepower, according to the Army, forced the gang to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their weapons and supplies.

“Acting immediately, troops launched a rapid response operation aimed at rescuing the victims and intercepting the kidnappers,” Olubodunde said.

“The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.”

He said the suspects have confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious criminal wanted for various activities in southern Taraba and parts of Benue State.

They also disclosed that Gata had been with them at Agu Center on November 5, allegedly planning attacks that included the killing of two locals and further abductions in Chachanji on November 6 and 7.

The suspects, the army said, revealed that Gata, displeased with the community, aimed to incite fear to shut down local markets in Chachanji.

While commending the local community for their cooperation, the Brigade urged them to continue providing timely and credible information to aid security operations in the area and the state.