In a significant breakthrough, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sub Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully apprehended six suspected kidnappers in a series of meticulously planned operations within Taraba State.
The arrests, which took place on May 19, 2024, have been hailed as a major victory in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry in the region.
The operations began with a raid conducted by troops from the 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, stationed at Forward Operating Base Wukari.
Acting on a vital tip-off, the soldiers targeted Chinkai Village in Wukari Local Government Area. According to Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, the Acting Assistant Director of the 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, this operation led to the arrest of two notorious suspects, Usman Gide Ali and Abdulrahman Amadu.
Both individuals were already on the radar of security agencies due to their involvement in a series of kidnappings in Wukari and its environs.
In a desperate attempt to avoid capture, the suspects tried to bribe the soldiers with N2 million. However, the troops stood firm, rejecting the bribe and demonstrating their unwavering commitment to upholding justice and integrity.
“Upon their arrest, the suspects attempted to bribe the troops with N2 million for their release. However, the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe, underscoring their dedication to justice and integrity,” Lieutenant Olubodunde stated in his official release.
The suspects were overheard threatening that if monetary inducement failed to secure their freedom, their associates might resort to armed efforts to liberate them from custody.
In another related operation, this time in the Ibi Local Government Area, troops stationed at Sarikin Kudu, again acting on credible intelligence, successfully apprehended four more individuals suspected of involvement in high-profile kidnappings.
These suspects, identified as Jafaru Banyi, Mohammad Ardo, Amadu Lawal Shatta, and Biyu Ardu, have been implicated in numerous abductions targeting both locals and foreigners, carried out with the intent of extracting ransom payments.
Their activities had placed them under the sustained scrutiny of security agencies for some time.
Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, lauded the troops for their bravery and steadfast adherence to ethical standards. He highlighted that the successful apprehension of these suspects is a clear testament to the diligent efforts and dedication of the soldiers.
Brigadier General Uwa emphasized that the refusal to accept bribes is a striking demonstration of the professionalism and integrity that defines the Nigerian Army’s approach to combating crime.
The operations in Taraba State underscore the Nigerian Army’s relentless pursuit of justice and its unyielding stance against corruption.
The soldiers’ actions not only disrupted the activities of these criminal networks but also sent a strong message about the Army’s commitment to ethical conduct and the rule of law.
The apprehended suspects are expected to face the full weight of the law, serving as a deterrent to others engaged in similar nefarious activities.
These arrests mark a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Taraba State and its surroundings. The operations reflect a broader strategy aimed at dismantling kidnapping rings and restoring public confidence in the security apparatus.
As investigations continue, the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, demonstrating once again that justice and integrity are at the core of its operations.
