Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, Taraba State, successfully dismantled a kidnap syndicate on Monday, arresting three suspects during a targeted operation to combat criminal activities in the region.
According to a statement from Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of the 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, the operation was conducted in collaboration with Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke. It aimed to address the recent surge in kidnappings affecting Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas.
The operation began with the apprehension of two suspects, Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, on October 22, 2024, during a raid on a hotel in the Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo. The troops uncovered incriminating evidence on their mobile phones, including a photograph of Haruna posing with an AK-47 rifle alongside an unidentified accomplice.
Following this, the investigation indicated that the gang’s main hideout was at Kona Mountain in Jalingo Local Government Area. Troops launched a follow-up operation there on October 23, capturing the gang leader, Dahiru Idi, also known as “Yellow.”
During interrogation, Dahiru confessed to a recent kidnapping involving three victims, from whom the gang extorted a ransom of 6 million Naira. He also disclosed that their AK-47 rifles had been relocated by an associate, Yakubu Dogo, in preparation for another operation.
Items seized from the suspects included three rings, an Airtel SIM card, an Itel phone, Indian hemp, and various charms.
Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the people of Taraba State for their support and emphasized the military’s commitment to fighting terrorism. He stated, “The safety of lives and property remains our top priority. We will continue to work relentlessly to protect the people of Taraba and all Nigerians.” He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.