Army arrests two kidnappers, rescue victims in Taraba

Troops of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke in collaboration with other security agencies, cleared suspected kidnapper camps, at Adamu Katibu Mountain in Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State.

This was made known in a statement shared on the Nigeria Army's Facebook page on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the operation which was conducted on July 8, 2024, led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of a significant amount of arms and ammunition

The Army in the statement stated that the operation was based on thorough intelligence gathering and surveillance. 

Also, the kidnappers, members of a notorious gang in the region, were captured after a gunfight that forced the gang to flee, abandoning their hostages.

The suspects, Haruna Buba (20), Hassan Kakale, and Hussaini Kakale, 28), were apprehended on the spot.

The statement read, “In an intensified operation conducted to clear terrorist den on 8 July 2024, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, raided suspected kidnapper hideouts at Adamu Katibu Mountain in Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State. This operation led to the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two victims.

“The rescued victims, Hauwa'u Alh Umaru and Asma'u Alh Umaru, who were abducted on 7 July 2024, were immediately taken to Headquarters 6 Brigade for psychological and medical support and thereafter handed over to their families.

“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. He 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 shooting in Chinkai and on getting to the location of the firing discovered the lifeless body of one of the most wanted notorious terrorists that operate 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, gun running, etc) 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 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 terrorist groups. 

“The 6 Brigade is encouraging the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing timely information to help curb criminal activities in the region.”