By Sani Yarima
In a significant operation to combat criminal activities in Taraba State, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate that was terrorizing parts of Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas of the State.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson of the Brigade, Captain Oni Olubodunde, the first two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, were apprehended on 22 October 2024 during a raid at a local hotel in the Mayo Dassa area of the Jalingo metropolis where they were hiding.
A search of their mobile phones revealed incriminating evidence, including a photograph showing Haruna brandishing an AK-47 rifle alongside another individual at an unidentified location.
Further investigations led to the discovery that the gang’s hideout was at Kona Mountain in Jalingo LGA, where additional members of the syndicate were believed to be camped.
Acting swiftly on this intelligence, troops conducted a follow-up operation at Kona Mountain on 23 October 2024, and during the exercise, the leader of the gang, Dahiru Idi, AKA (Yellow), was apprehended. Upon interrogation, he confessed to the recent kidnapping of three individuals, from whom a ransom of 6 million Naira was extorted before their release.
The gang leader further disclosed that the two AK-47 rifles used in their operations had been taken to another location by one Yakubu Dogo in preparation for an upcoming operation.
Items recovered from the suspects include 3 rings, 1 Airtel SIM card, 1 ITEL phone, Indian hemp, and charms.
The Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, thanked the people of Taraba state for their support.
He emphasized that the fight against terrorism remains a top priority and every effort will be made to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property of the people of the State and Nigerians at large.
Uwa urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant law enforcement agencies.