Nigerian Troops Captures Alleged Criminals in Taraba State

Through a series of well-coordinated operations, the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE troops, working with other security agencies, have achieved notable progress in combating crime and terrorism in several Taraba State local government districts.

In a statement released on Friday, August 23, 2024, Captain Olubodunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade, Army Public Relations, said that troops had apprehended a number of terrorists and criminals, among them Mela Selim, the leader of the Tiv militia, who is thought to have planned the assassination of a traditional ruler of Chanchangi and his son at Jankindo village in the state's Takum Local Government Area.

Numerous criminals, kidnappers, terrorists, and other individuals were apprehended as a result of the operations, which were conducted throughout the state's Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Based on reliable information, troops attacked a criminal's hideout in Takum LGA on August 18, 2024, which resulted in the arrest of David Musa, a suspected kidnapping.

According to preliminary inquiries, Musa is connected to infamous kidnapping mastermind Ephraim, aka "Skin the Body." In order to learn more specifics regarding the criminal network, the suspect is presently the subject of additional inquiry.

On August 20, 2024, troops in Wukari LGA apprehended James Nuhu and Dan-Asabe Ango, who were suspected of being gunrunners. The suspects admitted to taking part in a number of illegal activities in Wukari and the adjacent areas during questioning.

Additionally, they identified Ibrahim Philemon as the gang's armourer, in charge of keeping weapons in storage and overseeing the money earned from their illicit activities.

After receiving this information, soldiers quickly followed up at Philemon's house and found a safe that was full with various weapons and a significant amount of 7.62mm ammo.

In a related event, suspects Fidelis Nyitar and Isaiah Ioraa were apprehended by troops and other security forces following a covert operation. The operation was prompted by intelligence regarding the movement of two members of the Konyo-led Tiv militias along the Takum–Katsina–Ala Road in Takum LGA. According to preliminary investigations, the suspects were travelling to Takum in order to acquire supplies for the militia cells that were concealed between Tor Donga in Benue State and Dogon Gawa in Takum LGA. While in detention, the suspects are the subject of additional inquiry.

In the same vein, on August 21, 2024, troops located and detained Mela Selim, a leader of the Tiv militia who is thought to have planned the July 19, 2024, assassination of the Chief of Chanchangi at Jankindo Village in Takum LGA.

While Selim is being questioned, efforts are being made to capture the other militia members. In a different operation, while on patrol in the settlements of Lissam, Kuruku, and Kwesati in Ussa LGA, troops of the 6 Brigade and Vigilante members came into a terrorist ambush.

By employing superior firepower to drive the terrorists into the bushes, the troops successfully countered the ambush. Soldiers found bloodstains along the terrorists' escape route during the pursuit, and they also found two motorcycles, an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and a locally-made gun.

The terrorists who are running are being sought after and apprehended.

The residents of Taraba State were thanked by the commander of the 6 Brigade for their assistance and for providing reliable intelligence that helped the operations succeed.

In addition, he asked the populace to keep helping the armed forces and law enforcement in their endeavours to maintain the state's long-term stability. 

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