Troops nab 10 suspected B’Haram terrorists, two female kidnapping informants in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested 10 suspects in Taraba State. The arrests include eight Boko Haram terrorists and two high-profile female kidnapping informants.

The confirmation came yesterday via a statement made available to the media in Jalingo, the state capital, by the Brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Oni Olubodunde.

The statement indicated that the successful operation was carried out based on reliable intelligence. The raid, which took place on September 29, 2024, targeted the residence of Boko Haram leader Tukura Abdul-Kareem in Sunkani Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of the state.

The troops revealed that Abdul-Kareem, along with seven other suspects, had travelled from various states to join the terrorist cell in Taraba. The group was planning to establish a sleeper cell in the state to launch attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) against civilians and critical infrastructure.

“During interrogation, Abdul-Kareem confessed to having been part of Boko Haram for an extended period, along with his brother, Adamu Abdul-Kareem, who is still at large,” the statement noted.

Items recovered from the suspects include nine mobile phones, identity cards, and substances suspected to be marijuana and other drugs. In a separate operation in Chachanji village, Takum Local Council, troops announced the arrest of two female informants linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate.

The suspects, identified as Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemu Emmanuel, are believed to be the wife and sister of a wanted criminal named Anyogo. They are accused of providing information to kidnappers and assisting in identifying potential targets for ransom.