Three suspected kidnappers have been arrested by troops of the 6th Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Jalingo, Taraba State, News About Nigeria reports.
This was disclosed by the acting assistant director of 6th Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, in a statement on Tuesday.
He noted that the arrest was made when the troops burst a kidnapping syndicate on Monday in a targeted operation to curb criminal activities in the state.
Oni said that the troops from the 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, during the operation successfully dismantled the notorious kidnapping syndicate that had been terrorising Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas.
According to him, the troops, acting on credible intelligence, first apprehended two suspects, Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, on October 22, 2024, during a raid on a hotel in the Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo.
The statement reads in part, “A search of their mobile phones uncovered incriminating evidence, including a photograph of Haruna holding an AK-47 rifle alongside an unidentified accomplice.
“The investigation pointed to the gang’s primary hideout at Kona Mountain in Jalingo Local Government Area, where other members were reportedly stationed.
“Acting on this intelligence, troops launched a follow-up operation at Kona Mountain on October 23, resulting in the capture of the gang leader, Dahiru Idi, also known as “Yellow.”
“During interrogation, Dahiru confessed to a recent kidnapping operation involving three victims, from whom the gang had extorted a ransom of 6 million Naira. He also revealed that their AK-47 rifles had been relocated by an associate, Yakubu Dogo, in preparation for another operation.
“Seized items from the suspects included three rings, one Airtel SIM card, an Itel phone, Indian hemp, and various charms.”
