Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have made significant strides in combating terrorism and kidnapping in Taraba State, resulting in the apprehension of ten suspects, including eight individuals linked to Boko Haram and two notorious informants aiding kidnappers.
According to The PUNCH, this development was announced on Tuesday in Jalingo by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni.
The arrests were the result of a strategic operation conducted on September 29, 2024, targeting the residence of Tukura Abdul-Kareem, a suspected leader of Boko Haram, located in the Sunkani Ward of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
During this well-coordinated raid, Abdul-Kareem and seven accomplices were taken into custody.
These suspects had reportedly traveled from various regions of the country to align themselves with the terrorist organization and, during questioning, they admitted to their affiliation with Boko Haram.
“Investigations uncovered plans by the suspects to establish a sleeper cell in Taraba, with the intent of launching attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on civilians and critical infrastructure,” the statement revealed.
Furthermore, Abdul-Kareem confessed to participating in Boko Haram activities alongside his brother, Adamu Abdul-Kareem, who remains at large.
The operation yielded critical evidence, including nine mobile phones, identity cards, and illegal substances believed to be marijuana and other narcotics.
In a separate action on September 30, 2024, soldiers operating in Chachanji village within the Takum Local Government Area apprehended two women, Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemo Emmanuel.
They are suspected to be the wife and sister, respectively, of a notorious kidnapper named Anyogo.
Authorities believe these women were providing crucial intelligence to support his criminal activities.
The troops confiscated a mobile phone, a motorcycle, and a calabash during the operation, further dismantling the support network for criminal enterprises in the region.
The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and rapid response, stating that their actions had thwarted a potential terror plot and helped protect the lives of civilians in Taraba State.
He expressed gratitude to the local community for their cooperation and the invaluable intelligence shared, emphasizing that their continued support is essential for maintaining peace and security.
“Together, we will continue to ensure a safer and more secure Taraba and Nigeria at large,” Uwa affirmed.
