Troops of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE have secured the attest of kidnappers, terrorists and suspected bandits in various locations in Taraba state.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Capt. Olubodunde Oni, the arrests followed series of clearance operations carried out by the troops in collaboration with other security agencies, aimed at ridding the state of criminalities.
Notably, on 18 August 2024, troops, acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminals’ enclave in Takum LGA of Taraba State during which a suspected kidnapper named David Musa was arrested.
Preliminary investigation of the suspect revealed that he works with a kidnap kingpin, Ephraim, also known as ‘Skin the body’. The suspect is currently undergoing further investigation.
In another operation on 20 August 2024, troops arrested 2 suspected gunrunners identified as James Nuhu and Dan-Asabe Ango in Wukari Local Government Area.
During interrogation, both suspects confessed to be involved in series of crimes within Wukari and environs. The suspects also mentioned one Ibrahim Philemon as the armourer who keeps the weapons and proceeds of the criminal syndicate.
In a follow-up operation, troops swiftly mobilized to the residence of Mr Philemon and recovered a safe cabinet containing large quantity of 7.62 mm ammunition and assorted weapons.
Similarly, troops of 6 Bde/Operation WHIRL STROKE in conjunction with other security agencies, acting on intelligence on movement of suspected terrorists along Road Chikai – Bantaji Market in Wukari Local Government Area, conducted an operation along the axis and arrested 7 suspects.
Preliminary investigation disclosed that the suspects have been involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and attack on innocent individuals within Wukari Metropolis. The seven suspects also confessed to be in possession of illegal fire arms for perpetrating their crimes.
Additionally, the troops arrested a terrorist kingpin and arms trafficker named Isyaka Yusuf at Bantaki Market, while 2 additional suspects were arrested along Wukari – Ibi Road in the Wukari Local Government Area.
The suspects, Muhammad Usman and Abdulqadir Sule, were found to be in possession of 13 mobile phones, 3 motorcycles and the sum of N347,150, and are currently undergoing investigation.
In another development, combined troops of 6 Bde/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE and other security agencies, on receipt of intelligence on the movement of 2 members of the Konyo-led Tiv Militias along Road Takum – Katsina Ala in Takum Local Government Area, mobilized to the location and conducted a covert operation which led to the arrest of 2 suspects, Fidelis Nyitar and Isaiah Ioraa.
According to preliminary investigation, the suspects were enroute to Takum to procure logistics items for the militia cells hibernating between Dogon Gawa in Takum Local Government Area and Tor Donga in Benue state. The 2 suspects are currently in troops custody for further investigation.
Similarly, on 21 August 2024, troops trailed and arrested one Mela Selim who was believed to be a Tiv Militia kingpin that masterminded the killing of the Chief of Chanchangi at Jankindo Village in Takum LGA on 19 July 2024. The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation while efforts are in progress to arrest other members of the militia group.
Likewise, troops of 6 Bde alongside members of vigilante while on patrol at Lissam in Kuruku and Kwesati Communities in Ussa LGA of Taraba State, encountered ambush by terrorists along their axis of advance.
However, troops gallantly charged through the ambush and employed their anti-ambush skills using superior firepower to decimate the terrorists forcing them to flee into the bushes in disarray.
Consequently, the troops exploited the success within the general area and discovered traces of blood within the terrorist escape route and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 Magazine, one locally fabricated gun and 2 motorcycles. Efforts are still ongoing to trace and arrest the terrorists.
While appreciating the good citizens of Taraba State for supporting the military and security agencies with credible intelligence that led to the successes recorded in its area of operations, the Commander 6 Brigade further enjoined members of the public not to relent in providing further support that will aid the military in ensuring lasting peace in the state.
