Troops arrests three suspected kidnappers, rescue two victims in Taraba

The troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in Taraba State, have confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers in the state.

The arrest, which also led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims, was said to have been executed in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.

The announcement, which was made via the army X handle on Wednesday, was said to have taken place in Adamu Katibu mountain in Lau Local Government Council of the state.

“In an intensified operation conducted to clear terrorists’ den on July 8, 2024, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, raided suspected kidnapper hideouts at Adamu Katibu Mountain in Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State,” the statement read.

The operation, which according to them, led to the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two victims, was based on thorough intelligence gathering and surveillance.

They were confirmed to have been captured after a gunfight that forced the gang to flee, abandoning their hostages.

Identifying the suspects as Haruna Buba (20), Hassan Kakale and Hussaini Kakale (both 28), the three suspects, the army claimed, were apprehended on the spot.

“The rescued victims, Hauwa’u Alh Umaru and Asma’u Alh Umaru, who were abducted on July 7, 2024, were immediately taken to Headquarters 6 Brigade for psychological and medical support and thereafter handed over to their families.”

During the handover of the victims to their families, the brigade commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, was said to have commended the troops for their bravery and precision.

Reaffirming the Brigade’s commitment to the safety and security of Taraba State residents, Uwa encouraged the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing timely information to help curb criminal activities in the region.

In another development in Wukari Wukari council, the troops, also announced that they were alerted by sound of sporadic shooting in Chinkai village and on getting to the location of the firing, they discovered the lifeless body of one of the most wanted notorious terrorists that operate in Southern Taraba and Awe local government councils of Nasarawa State.

The suspect, who was also identified as Alhaji Gana, was confirmed to have been killed during the shootout by a rival terrorist group, adding that ” Gana’s brother who engages in the same acts of terrorism (kidnapping, armed robbery, gunrunning, etc) with him was also killed during the shootout.

This development, the army said, highlights their determination to fight terrorism and all forms of criminal activities towards maintaining peace in Taraba State and beyond.

“We will continue to work relentlessly with other security agencies and stakeholders to protect our citizens and bring criminals to justice,” they vowed.