Babatunji Wusu –
According to the Nigerian Army, military forces have apprehended six infamous bandits from Taraba State who were on its wanted list.
This was announced in a statement on Monday by Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, the acting assistant director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations.
Olubodunde added that the terrorists offered the army a N2 million payment in exchange for their release, but the troops turned it down.
He disclosed that on May 19, 2024, members of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade apprehended the bandits in two distinct operations in the State’s Wukari and Ibi Local Government Areas.
Olubodunde claimed that even if the army turned down their N2 million bribe, the bandits boasted about being set free later on thanks to the firepower of their other criminals.
Usman Gide Ali, 25, Abdulraman Adamu, 28, Jafaru Banyi, 28, Muhammad Ardo, 25, Ahamadu Lawal Shatta, 20, and Biyu Ardo, 25, were among those he alleged were taken prisoner during the military operation.
Olubodunde continued, saying that the terrorists were connected to well-publicized kidnappings that targeted both foreigners and Nigerians.
The statement reads: “In a significant operation on 19 May 2024, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have successfully captured 6 suspected kidnappers in separate operations carried out within Taraba State.
“Acting on a tip-off, troops from the 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, stationed at Forward Operating Base Wukari, carried out a well-planned raid in Chinkai Village of Wukari Local Government Area.
“This raid led to the apprehension of two individuals identified as Usman Gide Ali, aged 25 and Abdulrahaman Amadu, aged 28. The suspects have been on wanted list of the security agencies for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Wukari and its surroundings.
“Upon their arrest, the suspects attempted to bribe the troops with 2 million Naira for their release. However, the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe, underscoring their dedication to justice and integrity. The suspects were also overheard stating that if money failed to secure their freedom, their associates would resort to armed means to rescue them from custody.
“In a parallel operation in Ibi Local Government Area, troops stationed at Sarikin Kudu acting on credible intelligence apprehended four more suspected kidnappers: Jafaru Banyi, aged 28, Mohammad Ardo, aged 25, Amadu Lawal Shatta, aged 20 and Biyu Ardu, aged 25. These captured suspects have been linked to numerous high-profile abductions in the region, targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom and have long been under the surveillance of security agencies.
“The Commander 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidebere Uwa, has since commended the troops for their courage and unwavering commitment to ethical standards. He emphasised that the successful apprehension of these suspects is a testament to the diligent efforts and dedication of the soldiers, highlighting their refusal to accept bribes as a clear demonstration of their professionalism and integrity.”
