Troops bust criminal network in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have again dismantled a notorious criminal network allegedly responsible for various acts of violence and insecurity within Karim-Lamido Local Government Council of Taraba State.

A statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Captain Oni Olubodunde, said the operation led to the arrest of two suspects.

According to the statement: “Acting on credible intelligence, troops conducted a well-coordinated operation targeting the criminal syndicate, which has been linked to a series of violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal arms dealing.

“The swift and precise actions of the gallant troops of the brigade resulted in the apprehension of a key member of the gang known as ‘Malam Ali Tambaya’ in Wanzani village of Karim Lamido council .”

Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include an AK-47 rifle and 42 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

During the preliminary investigation, Ali Tambaya reportedly confessed that he got the rifle from one Alhaji Dandi for N500,000 about five years ago and also ammunition at the cost of N1,000 each.

He was also said to have claimed that one Alhaji Kiwo gave him 38 rounds out of the 42 for safekeeping.

“Troops immediately went after the other suspects and apprehended Alhaji Dandi while effort is ongoing to track and arrest Alhaji Kiwo,” the statement read.

Commending the gallant efforts of the troops, the brigade commander, Brigadier Kingsley Uwa, reaffirmed the commitment to eradicate criminal elements in Taraba State.

He urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and accurate information to security forces, as the cooperation between the military and the civilian population remains vital to achieving lasting peace.