Troops arrest Ambazonia rebels, recover stolen NNPCL pipelines in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested four suspected members of the Ambazonia rebel group in Taraba State.

Making the announcement yesterday via a statement made available to the media in Jalingo by the Acting Spokesperson of the Brigade, Captain Oni Olubodunde, the suspects were arrested on December 18, 2024, at a hotel in Takum Local Government Area of the state.

“On December 18, 2024, following credible intelligence, troops apprehended four suspected members of the Ambazonia rebel group at a hotel in Takum.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to being involved in arms proliferation, trading weapons for cocoa with Nigerian collaborators.

“Four mobile phones were recovered from the suspects, who are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” the statement read.

In a separate operation, troops stationed in the Natilde community of Bantaji District, in Wukari Council, also intercepted a truck carrying 19 stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

The truck, with registration number WKR 66 BB Taraba State, was tracked following actionable intelligence, according to the soldiers.

Further collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 stolen pipelines, bringing the total to 30.

“The recovered pipelines have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and appropriate action,” the statement added.

Reiterating its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as securing critical national infrastructure, the leadership of the Brigade encouraged citizens to provide timely and accurate information to security agencies to strengthen efforts in maintaining peace and security in the region.