Six suspected kidnappers are currently in the custody of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) in Taraba State.

According to a statement made available to media practitioners in the early hours of Tuesday in Jalingo, the state capital, by the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, the suspects were captured in separate operations conducted in the state.

Acting on a tip-off, soldiers from the 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari, executed a raid in Chinkai Village, Wukari Local Government Area.

The operation, which was successfully executed, resulted in the capture of two individuals identified as Usman Gide Ali, 25, and Abdulrahaman Amadu, 28.

The statement added that the suspects have been on the wanted list for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in the Wukari area.

“Upon their arrest, Ali and Amadu attempted to bribe the soldiers with N2 million for their release. The troops, however, refused the bribe, reaffirming their commitment to justice and integrity,” the statement said.

Olubodunde also announced that the suspects were overheard stating that if the bribe failed, their associates would attempt an armed rescue.

In a separate operation in Ibi Local Government Council, troops stationed in Sarikin Kudu, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended four more suspects.

The suspects, identified as Jafaru Banyi, 28, Mohammad Ardo, 25, Amadu Lawal Shatta, 20, and Biyu Ardu, 25, are linked to several high-profile abductions targeting both locals and foreigners in the region.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their bravery and adherence to ethical standards.

He emphasized that the successful apprehension of the suspects highlights the soldiers’ professionalism and integrity, particularly in their refusal to accept the N2 million bribe.