Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a bold operation, troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully smashed a notorious kidnapping syndicate that had been terrorizing parts of Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas of Taraba State.
This information was contained in a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, of Army Public Relations on Wednesday.
The syndicate’s reign of terror came to an end following an intelligence report that led to the arrest of two suspects, Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, at a local hotel in Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo metropolis on October 22, 2024.
A search of the suspects’ mobile phones revealed incriminating evidence, including a photograph of Haruna brandishing an AK 47 rifle.
Further investigations led troops to the syndicate’s hideout at Kona Mountain in Jalingo LGA, where they apprehended the gang leader, Dahiru Idi, also known as “Yellow,” on October 23, 2024.
Under interrogation, Dahiru confessed to kidnapping three individuals and collecting a ransom of 6 million Naira. He also revealed that two AK 47 rifles used in their operations had been taken to another location by an accomplice.
The successful operation yielded recoveries including 3 rings, 1 Airtel Sim card, 1 itel Phone, Indian hemp, and charms.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, expressed gratitude to the people of Taraba State for their support and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring public safety.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
