10 suspects arrested as troops burst criminal syndicate in Taraba

The valiant troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in conjunction with other security agencies have successfully dismantled a criminal syndicate, apprehended 10 Suspects and recovered an AK 47 rifle and 33 rounds of ammunition in multiple operations in Taraba State. Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Oni Olubodunde, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The operations which were conducted with precision and professionalism, took place in the early hours of 22 July 2024 at Galeri and Kwondo Villages of Ardo-Kola and Bali Local Government Areas after a tip-off from a credible source, the statement read. The swift and coordinated response of the 6 Brigade troops led to the successful arrest of 2 suspects, named Ali Ibrahim aka Yellow and Wetti Alhaji Ibrahim. Items recovered from the suspects include an AK 47 rifle and 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspects confessed to have worked with a known terrorist leader named Kadogo Fun who operates around Bangalala and Kampani Zurak in Plateau State. Additionally, it was gathered that the kidnappers also act as mercenaries to other terrorist groups operating in Plateau, Adamawa and Taraba States. In another operation, following incessant attacks and kidnapping activities within Southern Taraba State by terrorist groups dressed in military camouflage the Brigade conducted weeks of covert intelligence led operation to track down the gang, leading to the apprehension of 8 suspects named, Emmanuel Michael aka Assay, Gabriel Samuel aka Badoo, Fidelis Lumu Utuna, Edward Ochan, John Orhenbaga, Desmond Agbo, Thomas Ikyar, and Shafiu Shaibu aka Odogwu. During preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the gang leader was part of Terwase Akwaza aka Gana’s Gang. Items recovered include 10 Military Camouflage uniforms, the sum of Sixty Thousand Naira 60,000 and 30 rounds of 7.62MM Special ammunition after a search was conducted at one of the arrested suspects house. The suspects are currently in custody and would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigations and possible prosecution. The successful apprehension of these suspects and the recovery of the firearms are a testament to the effectiveness and mutual relationship between the Brigade and the general populace, said “The Brigade therefore, appeals to the good people of Taraba State to continue to support the security agencies in ensuring lasting peace and security in the state as well as ridding the entire state of criminal elements. Citizens are enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can build a safer and more secure Taraba State.