Troops dismantle notorious kidnapping syndicate in Taraba

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Troops dismantle notorious kidnapping syndicate in Taraba

The Commander of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Jalingo, Taraba State, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, has said the fight against terrorism remains one of the top priorities of the military.

He said the troops will make every effort to ensure the safety and protection of the lives and property of the good people of the state and Nigerians at large.

Uwa, who stated this in a statement made available to journalists in the state on Thursday, while announcing the giant strides made by the troops of the command, urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

The statement, which was signed on his behalf by the acting spokesperson of the command, Captain Oni Olubodunde, said the troops have again succeeded in dismantling a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing parts of Jalingo and Lau local government councils of the state.

The suspects, who according to him were apprehended on October 22, 2024, during a raid at a local hotel in the Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo metropolis where they were hiding, are Ali Idi and Haruna Umar.

“Acting on an intelligence report, the first two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, were apprehended on 22 October 2024 during a raid at a local hotel in the Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo metropolis where they were hiding.

“A search of their mobile phones revealed incriminating evidence, including a photograph showing Haruna brandishing an AK-47 rifle alongside another individual at a yet-to-be-identified location,” he stated.

Further investigations were also said to have led to the discovery that the gang’s hideout was at Kona Mountain in Jalingo council, where additional members of the syndicate were believed to be camped.

The troops, who also announced the arrest of the leader of another gang identified as Dahiru Idi, a.k.a. (Yellow), said upon interrogation, he confessed to the recent kidnapping of three individuals, from whom a ransom of 6 million Naira was extorted before their release.

“The gang leader further disclosed that the two AK-47 rifles used in their operations had been taken to another location by one Yakubu Dogo in preparation for an upcoming operation,” the army said.

Items announced to have been recovered from the suspects include 3 rings, 1 Airtel SIM card, 1 itel phone, Indian hemp and charms.