Soldiers Arrest Kidnap Suspect in Taraba: Major Breakthrough in Security Efforts

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, have successfully apprehended notorious kidnapper Suleiman Ahmad in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State. Ahmad, who was reportedly behind a series of kidnappings in the region, is believed to have extorted over ₦70 million in ransom from his victims.

The arrest followed a coordinated sting operation on November 12, 2024, targeting villages in the area, including Maraban Abare, Bomanda, and Karamuke, known hotspots for rampant kidnapping activities. Suleiman Ahmad, a resident of Bomanda village, confessed during preliminary investigations to have abducted approximately 20 individuals in the Lau Local Government area.

In addition to his involvement in kidnapping, Ahmad was found to have been in possession of an AK-47 rifle that he used in carrying out his criminal activities. Following the arrest, the Army carried out a subsequent operation on November 15, which led to the recovery of the AK-47 from a hidden location.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of Ahmad’s accomplice, Hussaini, a suspected gunrunner. Hussaini was apprehended at his home in the Mayo Dassa area of Lau Local Government.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Capt. Oni Olubodunde, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens. He stated, “We will continue to deploy all necessary resources to protect citizens from the scourge of kidnapping and violent crimes.”

This arrest is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to combat the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crimes in the region, providing relief to local communities plagued by criminal activities.