Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have apprehended a suspected terrorist mastermind allegedly responsible for the killing of five individuals at Mararaban Azagawa village in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The arrest followed an attack on June 16, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to many others.
Acting Assistant Director of the 6 Brigade Army Public Relations Officer, Oni Olubodunde, disclosed this in a press statement detailing the operation that led to the arrest.
According to Olubodunde, troops from the 20 Model Battalion sub-sector 3A of Operation Whirl Stroke stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Bali LGA initiated a special operation to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Based on credible intelligence, the troops successfully apprehended the suspected ringleader, 39-year-old Hassan Ibrahim, also known as Godu.
During the arrest, the troops recovered a Dane gun, cartridges, and a motorcycle belonging to one of the victims.
The suspect has confessed to his involvement in the crime and is providing valuable information that could lead to the arrest of his accomplices.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the commander of the 6 Brigade Sector 3 of OPWS, commended the public for providing useful information that facilitated the capture of the suspect.
He urged the public to continue supporting the Brigade’s efforts to eradicate criminal elements in Taraba State.
The successful apprehension of the terrorist mastermind represents a significant achievement for the troops and a step towards restoring peace and security in the affected community.
The Nigerian Army reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of Taraba State, the statement concluded.