Troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorizing areas in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, and Lau Local Government Area.
Acting on intelligence reports, authorities apprehended the first two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, on October 22, 2024, during a raid at a local hotel in the Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo, where they were hiding.
A search of their mobile phones revealed incriminating evidence, including a photograph of Haruna Umar holding an AK-47 rifle alongside another unidentified individual at an undisclosed location.
Further investigations uncovered that the gang’s hideout was located at Kona Mountain in Jalingo LGA, where additional members were believed to be camped.
In a swift follow-up operation on October 23, 2024, troops apprehended the gang’s leader, Dahiru Idi, also known as “Yellow,” at Kona Mountain.
During interrogation, he confessed to recently kidnapping three individuals, from whom the gang extorted a ransom of 6 million Naira before their release.
The gang leader also revealed that two AK-47 rifles used in their operations had been relocated by one Yakubu Dogo in preparation for an upcoming operation.
Items recovered from the suspects include three rings, one Airtel SIM card, one itel phone, Indian hemp, and charms.
Commenting on the successful operations, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, expressed gratitude to the people of Taraba State for their ongoing support of the Brigade.
He emphasized that combating terrorism remains a top priority for the military, and every effort will be made to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property for the people of Taraba State and Nigerians as a whole.
He also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prompt action.