In a major victory against organized crime, troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Jalingo, Taraba State, have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing the region. This operation, led by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, underscores the military's commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and the nation.
In a statement released on Thursday, General Uwa reaffirmed that counter-terrorism remains a top priority for the army. He encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
The raid, which occurred on October 22, 2024, led to the apprehension of key members of the syndicate at a hotel in the Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo. The two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, were found in possession of incriminating materials, including a photograph showing Haruna holding an AK-47 rifle alongside another individual at an undisclosed location. Their arrest was based on actionable intelligence provided by security agencies.
Further investigations revealed that the gang operated out of a hideout in Kona Mountain, Jalingo Local Government Area, where more members of the syndicate were believed to be camped. During interrogations, the gang leader, Dahiru Idi, also known as "Yellow," confessed to having orchestrated several kidnappings, including the abduction of three individuals for whom a ransom of 6 million Naira was paid.
Dahiru also revealed that two AK-47 rifles used in their operations had been moved to another location by an associate, Yakubu Dogo, in preparation for future criminal activities. In addition to the arrests, items recovered from the suspects included an Airtel SIM card, an Itel mobile phone, Indian hemp, charms, and other suspicious items.
Significantly, the military confirmed that the sponsors of this criminal group have also been identified, marking a crucial step in dismantling the broader network behind the syndicate’s activities. Authorities have pledged to pursue these sponsors and ensure they face justice.
This successful operation highlights the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Army to restore peace and security in Taraba State and across the country.
