In a coordinated sting operation across Taraba State, troops from the 6th Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke apprehended ten suspected kidnappers believed to be linked to wider terrorist networks.
A statement released on Tuesday by Captain Oni Olubodunde, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, detailed the successful raids. Acting on a tip-off, troops swooped on villages in Ardo-Kola and Bali Local Government Areas early on 22nd July. The operation netted two key suspects, Ali Ibrahim (alias Yellow) and Wetti Alhaji Ibrahim.
A crucial AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were seized alongside their arrest.
“The swift and coordinated response of the 6 Brigade troops led to the successful arrest of two suspects, named Ali Ibrahim, aka Yellow, and Wetti Alhaji Ibrahim. Items recovered from the suspects include an AK-47 rifle and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition", the statement said.
Captain Olubodunde further revealed that the apprehended duo acted as hired muscle for terrorist groups across the region, spanning Plateau, Adamawa, and Taraba.
The statement elaborated on a separate operation targeting a gang plaguing southern Taraba. Weeks of covert intelligence gathering led to the apprehension of eight individuals responsible for a spate of kidnappings and attacks disguised in stolen military fatigues.
A search of one suspect's residence yielded ten sets of military camouflage uniforms, a sum of ₦60,000, and further ammunition.
All ten suspects are currently detained while authorities conduct further investigations and prepare potential prosecutions.