Troops of 6 Brigade Arrest Multiple Criminals and Terrorists in Taraba State
In a series of coordinated operations, troops of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with other security agencies, have made significant breakthroughs in the fight against crime and terrorism in Taraba State. The operations, carried out across various Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, resulted in the arrest of several criminals, kidnappers, terrorists, and suspected bandits.
On August 18, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, troops raided a criminal hideout in Takum LGA, leading to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper named David Musa. Preliminary investigations revealed that Musa is associated with a notorious kidnap kingpin, Ephraim, also known as "Skin the Body." The suspect is currently undergoing further investigation to uncover more details about the criminal network.
In another operation on August 20, 2024, troops arrested suspected gunrunners, James Nuhu and Dan-Asabe Ango, in Wukari LGA. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to participating in various criminal activities within Wukari and surrounding areas. They also identified Ibrahim Philemon as the group's armourer, responsible for storing weapons and managing the proceeds from their criminal activities. Following this information, troops conducted a swift follow-up operation at Philemon's residence, where they recovered a safe containing a large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition and assorted weapons.
Additionally, troops, acting on intelligence about suspected terrorists moving along the Chikai–Bantaji Market Road in Wukari LGA, conducted a successful operation that led to the arrest of seven suspects. Preliminary investigations indicated that these individuals were involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and attacking innocent civilians within Wukari Metropolis. The suspects also admitted to possessing illegal firearms for their criminal activities.
During the same operation, a terrorist kingpin and arms trafficker named Isyaka Yusuf was apprehended at Bantaji Market. Two more suspects, Muhammad Usman and Abdulqadir Sule, were arrested along the Wukari–Ibi Road in Wukari LGA. The suspects were found in possession of 13 mobile phones, three motorcycles, and a sum of 347,150 naira. They are currently undergoing investigation.
In a related development, troops and other security agencies, acting on intelligence regarding the movement of two members of the Konyo-led Tiv militias along the Takum–Katsina Ala Road in Takum LGA, conducted a covert operation that led to the arrest of suspects Fidelis Nyitar and Isaiah Ioraa. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were en route to Takum to procure logistics items for the militia cells hiding between Dogon Gawa in Takum LGA and Tor Donga in Benue State. The suspects are in custody and undergoing further investigation.
Similarly, on August 21, 2024, troops tracked down and arrested Mela Selim, a Tiv militia kingpin believed to have masterminded the killing of the Chief of Chanchangi at Jankindo Village in Takum LGA on July 19, 2024. Selim is currently being interrogated, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the militia group.
In another operation, troops of 6 Brigade, along with members of the Vigilante, encountered an ambush by terrorists while on patrol in Lissam, Kuruku, and Kwesati communities in Ussa LGA. The troops effectively countered the ambush, using superior firepower to force the terrorists to flee into the bushes. During the pursuit, troops discovered traces of blood along the terrorists' escape route and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, a locally fabricated gun, and two motorcycles. Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing terrorists.
The commander of the 6 Brigade expressed gratitude to the citizens of Taraba State for their support and the provision of credible intelligence that contributed to the successes achieved in the operations. He also urged the public to continue supporting the military and security agencies in their efforts to ensure lasting peace in the state.
