Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested 12 persons suspected to be involved in kidnapping and other vices.
Captain Olubodunde Oni acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations Jalingo who disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Jalingo, said that the troops recovered one locally made pistol, 14 motorcycles and two bags of Indian Hemp.
“Following a distress call from the residents of Chachanji village regarding the abduction of two individuals by a group of about 10 armed men on motorcycles on November 7, 2024 ,and acting immediately, troops launched a rapid response operation aimed at rescuing the victims and intercepting the kidnappers.
“Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp. The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.
“In a subsequent follow-up operation which was based on credible intelligence, troops on November 9 arrested 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village close to Agu Centre. During an intensive interrogation, the arrested suspects admitted to being part of the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as a notorious terrorist who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for orchestrating criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba and Benue states.
“The suspects further confessed that Veior was with them at Agu centre on November 5,2024, before the killing of two locals and abduction of two individuals on November, 6 and 7 respectively at Chachanji general area. They added that Veior was displeased with the locals in Chachanji, hence he wanted to ensure the market is closed down by putting fear and terror in the mind of both buyers and sellers.
“While commending the efforts of local residents for their cooperation and encouraging them to continue providing timely and credible information to facilitate security operations. 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities within its area of operation. Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies” the statement reads in part”.