Troops of 6 Brigade Nigeria Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued two kidnap victims.
The success recorded follows the raid on the suspected kidnappers hideouts at Adamu Katibu Mountain in Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State.
The kidnappers who are members of a notorious gang in the region, were captured after a gunfight that forced the gang to flee, abandoning their hostages.
The suspects identified as Haruna Buba (20), Hassan Kakale and Hussaini Kakale (both 28), were apprehended on the spot.
The Acting Assistant Director, 6 brigade Army Public Relations, Oni Olubodunde, in a press statement on Wednesday said the operation was based on thorough intelligence gathering and surveillance.
He listed the rescued victims as Hauwa’u Alh Umaru and Asma’u Alh Umaru, saying they were abducted on 7July 2024. Following their rescue, the victims were immediately taken to Headquarters 6 Brigade for psychological and medical support and thereafter handed over to their families.
According to the statement, during the handover of the victims to their families, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their bravery and precision and reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to the safety and security of Taraba State residents.
In another development in Wukari LGA, troops were alerted by the sound of sporadic gunshots in Chinkai and on getting to the scene discovered the lifeless body of one of the most wanted notorious terrorists that operates in Southern Taraba and Awe LGA in Nassarrawa State, Alhaji Gana, suspected to have been killed during the shootout by a rival terrorist group.
Gana’s brother who engages in the same acts of terrorism, Kidnapping, armed robbery, and gun running with him was also killed during the shootout.
“This development highlights our determination to fight terrorism and all forms of criminal activities towards maintaining peace in Taraba State and beyond. We will continue to work relentlessly with other security agencies and stakeholders to protect our citizens and bring criminals to justice,” the statement read.
The suspects are currently being interrogated and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution while the troops continue to trail all terrorists groups.
The military also urged the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing timely information to help curb criminal activities in the state and the region.