Troops nab 39-year-old mastermind of Taraba killings

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind of recent killings in Taraba State.

Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said the mastermind, whom the army labelled as a terrorist, was apprehended following information made available to the troops by some good Samaritans.

Recall that several lives were lost, last week, in Mararaban Azagawa village, in Bali Local Council, which the army said was occasioned by the arrested terrorist.

He said: “A terrorist responsible for a deadly attack on Mararaban Azagawa Village has been captured.

“The troops acted swiftly following the attack on June 16, which resulted in the tragic loss of five lives and many injuries.

“Responding to the report, the troops of 20 Model Battalion Sub-Sector 3A OPWS, stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bali Local Council launched a special operation to apprehend those behind the attack.

“The troops went ahead to identify the terrorist as Hassan Ibrahim (a.k.a) Godu, and announced that items recovered from him during the arrest include a dane gun, cartridges, and a motorcycle belonging to one of the victims.”

Olubodunde emphasised that the suspect admitted his involvement in the heinous act and has provided valuable information to the Brigade.

“He is currently in custody, cooperating with authorities to help capture his collaborators,” he stated.

While applauding the public for providing useful information leading to the capture of the suspect, he urged them to continue supporting the Brigade’s efforts to eliminate criminal activities in Taraba State.

According to him, the successful capture of the mastermind is a significant achievement for the troops and a step towards restoring peace and security in the affected community.