Troops of the Nigerian Army conducting rescue operations in Taraba State have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers following a reported abduction incident in Chachanji village. According to a statement released on Tuesday, the arrests came after residents alerted authorities on 7 November about the kidnapping of two individuals by a gang of around 10 armed men on motorcycles.
During the initial operation, troops recovered 14 motorcycles, two bags of Indian hemp, and a locally made pistol. The statement explained, “Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to retreat into the bush, leaving behind their weapon and bags of Indian hemp. Troops thoroughly swept the area, effectively disrupting further criminal activity.”
In a follow-up operation on 9 November, troops apprehended the 12 suspects and seized additional motorcycles at a local bar in Mbhakyir village, near Agu Centre. Under interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious criminal wanted for various offenses in southern Taraba and Benue states.
The army’s statement emphasizes their ongoing commitment to combating criminal activity in the region, noting that the arrest of these suspects will aid in curbing the activities of armed groups terrorizing local communities.
