“Troops Arrest 12 Suspected Kidnappers, Seize Motorcycles, Pistol, and More”

The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has successfully apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers following a series of coordinated operations in Taraba State.

According to a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, the troops recovered 14 motorcycles, a locally fabricated pistol, and two bags of Indian hemp during the operation. The arrests were made after a distress call from residents of Chachanji village reported the abduction of two individuals by a group of armed men on motorcycles on November 7, 2024.

The subsequent follow-up operation, based on credible intelligence, led to the arrest of the 12 suspects on November 9, 2024, at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village, near Agu Centre. During intensive questioning, the suspects admitted to being part of the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious terrorist who has been on the wanted list for orchestrating criminal activities in southern Taraba and Benue states.

The suspects further revealed that Veior John Gata was present at Agu Centre on November 5, 2024, prior to the killings of two locals and the abduction of two more individuals on November 6 and 7, 2024, in the Chachanji area.

The statement commended the efforts of the local residents for their cooperation in providing timely and credible information, which greatly facilitated the operation. It further emphasized that the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities under its jurisdiction.

Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies.