In a series of coordinated operations, troops from the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with other security agencies, have made significant progress in the fight against crime and terrorism in Taraba State. These operations, conducted across various Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, resulted in the arrest of numerous criminals, kidnappers, terrorists, and suspected bandits.
On August 18, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, troops raided a criminal hideout in Takum LGA, leading to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper named David Musa. Preliminary investigations revealed that Musa is linked to a notorious kidnap kingpin named Ephraim, also known as “Skin the Body.” The suspect is currently undergoing further investigation to uncover more details about the criminal network.
In a separate operation on August 20, 2024, troops apprehended suspected gunrunners James Nuhu and Dan-Asabe Ango in Wukari LGA. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to participating in various criminal activities in Wukari and surrounding areas. They identified Ibrahim Philemon as the group’s armourer, responsible for storing weapons and managing the proceeds from their crimes. Following this information, troops carried out a swift follow-up operation at Philemon’s residence, where they recovered a safe containing a large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition and various weapons.
Additionally, troops, acting on intelligence about suspected terrorists moving along the Chikai-Bantaji Market Road in Wukari LGA, conducted a successful operation resulting in the arrest of seven suspects. Preliminary investigations indicated that these individuals were involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and attacking innocent civilians within Wukari Metropolis. The suspects also admitted to possessing illegal firearms for their criminal activities.
During the same operation, troops apprehended a terrorist kingpin and arms trafficker named Isyaka Yusuf at Bantaji Market. Two further suspects, Muhammad Usman and Abdulqadir Sule, were arrested along the Wukari-Ibi Road in Wukari LGA. The suspects were found with 13 mobile phones, three motorcycles, and 347,150 naira. They are currently being investigated.
In a related development, troops and other security agencies, acting on intelligence regarding the movement of two members of the Konyo-led Tiv militias along the Takum-Katsina Ala Road in Takum LGA, conducted a covert operation that led to the arrest of suspects Fidelis Nyitar and Isaiah Ioraa. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were en route to Takum to procure logistical supplies for militia cells hiding between Dogon Gawa in Takum LGA and Tor Donga in Benue State. The suspects are in custody and undergoing further investigation.
Similarly, on August 21, 2024, troops tracked down and arrested Mela Selim, a Tiv militia kingpin believed to have orchestrated the killing of the Chief of Chanchangi at Jankindo Village in Takum LGA on July 19, 2024. Selim is currently being interrogated, and efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the militia group.
In another operation, troops from the 6 Brigade, along with members of the Vigilante, encountered an ambush by terrorists while on patrol in the Lissam, Kuruku, and Kwesati communities in Ussa LGA. The troops effectively countered the ambush, using superior firepower to force the terrorists to flee into the bushes. During the pursuit, troops discovered traces of blood along the terrorists’ escape route and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, a locally fabricated gun, and two motorcycles. Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing terrorists.
The commander of the 6 Brigade expressed gratitude to the citizens of Taraba State for their support and for providing credible intelligence that contributed to the success of these operations. He urged the public to continue supporting the military and security agencies in their efforts to ensure lasting peace in the state.
