Gist
Troops Nab 12 Suspected Kidnappers In Taraba
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of 12 individuals suspected to be kidnappers in Taraba State.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Army noted that the suspects were nabbed by troops sent out for search and rescue missions in the northern part of the country.
It stated that the individuals were caught following a distress call from the people of Chachanji village about the kidnapping of two people by a gang of about 10 men on motorcycles on November 7.
The army revealed that troops found 14 motorcycles, two sacks of Indian hemp, and a pistol that was produced in the area during the operation.
“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,” the Army statement reads.
It further revealed that in a follow-up operation, the troops arrested the 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village, close to Agu Centre, on 9 November.
“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 statement added.