No less than 12 gunmen suspected to be bandits have been reportedly arrested in Taraba State by troops of the Nigerian Army.
During the operation, they also freed two hostages and seized a locally-made pistol, 14 motorcycles, and a large stash of cannabis sativa.
Spokesperson for 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in Taraba State, Captain Oni Olubodunde, disclosed that troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle following a distressed call from Chachangi village in the Wukari Local Government Area of the state.
Captain Olubodunde noted that the military operations were conducted in two separate outings on November 7 and 9, leading to success against the terrorists.
According to him, “in a display of resilience and swift response to public safety, the gallant troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers and recovered 14 motorcycles, a locally fabricated pistol, and two bags of Indian hemp in her operations within Taraba State”.
He said, “A distress call came from the residents of Chachanji village regarding the abduction of two individuals by a group of about 10 armed men on motorcycles on 7 November 2024.
“Acting immediately, troops launched a rapid response operation aimed at rescuing the victims and intercepting the kidnappers.
“Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp.
“The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.
“In a subsequent follow-up operation which was based on credible intelligence, troops on 9th November, 2024 arrested 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village close to Agu Center.
“During an intensive investigation, the arrested 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 of security agencies for orchestrating criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba and Benue states.
“The suspects further confessed that Veior was with them at Agu center on 5 November 2024 before the killing of two locals and abduction of two individuals on 6th and 7th November, respectively at Chachanji general area.
“They added that Veior was displeased with the locals in Chachanji, hence he wants to ensure the market is closed down by putting fear and terror in the mind of both buyers and sellers.”
He commended the efforts of residents for their cooperation and encouraged them to continue providing timely and credible information to facilitate security operations.
