The Nigerian Army, in yet another victory against insecurity, especially banditry in the Northern part of the country, has successfully raided and dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Taraba State.
According to Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commander of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade in Jalingo, Taraba State, combating terrorism continues to be one of the military’s top priorities.
According to him, the forces would do all in their power to defend the lives and property of the state’s good citizens as well as all Nigerians.
While highlighting the enormous progress achieved by the command’s forces, Uwa made this claim in a statement that was made accessible to the state press on Thursday. He also advised the people to be alert and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Captain Oni Olubodunde, the command’s acting spokesperson, signed the statement on his behalf. It stated that the military had once again been successful in taking down a known kidnapping racket that was terrorising areas of the state’s Jalingo and Lau local government councils.
Ali Idi and Haruna Umar are the suspects, who he claims were captured on October 22, 2024, following a search at a nearby hotel in the Mayo Dassa neighbourhood of Jalingo city, where they were hiding.
“Acting on an intelligence report, the first two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, were apprehended on 22 October 2024 during a raid at a local hotel in the Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo metropolis where they were hiding.
“A search of their mobile phones revealed incriminating evidence, including a photograph showing Haruna brandishing an AK-47 rifle alongside another individual at a yet-to-be-identified location,” he stated.
Additional members of the syndicate were thought to be camping at Kona Mountain in Jalingo council, which was also the gang’s hideaway, according to reports from further investigations.
In addition to announcing the arrest of another gang boss, Dahiru Idi, popularly known as Yellow, the forces added that during questioning, he admitted to the recent kidnapping of three people, from whom a 6 million Naira ransom was demanded before they were freed.
“The gang leader further disclosed that the two AK-47 rifles used in their operations had been taken to another location by one Yakubu Dogo in preparation for an upcoming operation,” the army said.
Three rings, an Airtel SIM card, an Itel phone, Indian hemp, and charms are among the items that have been said to have been found on the suspects.