Nigerian Army Catches 12 Suspected Kidnappers in Taraba State
In a significant breakthrough, the Nigerian Army has apprehended 12 individuals suspected of kidnapping in Taraba State. The arrest was made by troops deployed for search and rescue operations in the northern region.
The suspects were caught following a distress call from the people of Chachanji village, who reported that a gang of about 10 men on motorcycles had kidnapped two people on November 7. The troops, in response, launched an operation that led to the discovery of 14 motorcycles, two sacks of Indian hemp, and a locally fabricated pistol.
According to the Army, when troops made contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to retreat into the bush, leaving behind their pistol and the bags of Indian hemp. The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.
In a follow-up operation, the troops arrested the 12 suspects and seized the 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village, close to Agu Centre, on November 9. During an intensive investigation, the arrested suspects confessed 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.
