Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have smashed an infamous kidnapping syndicate that was terrorizing areas of Jalingo, Taraba State’s capital, and the Lau Local Government Area.

Based on an intelligence tip, the first two suspects, Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, were caught on October 22, 2024, during a raid at a local hotel in the Mayo Dassa region of Jalingo city, where they were hiding.

A search of their mobile phones turned up incriminating material, including a photograph of Haruna Umar displaying an AK 47 gun with another person at an unidentified location.

Further investigations revealed that the gang’s stronghold was atop Kona Mountain in Jalingo LGA, where additional syndicate members were thought to be camped.

Acting quickly on this intelligence, forces carried out a follow-up operation at Kona Mountain on October 23, 2024, apprehending the gang’s commander, Dahiru Idi A.K.A. (Yellow).

During interrogation, he admitted to the recent kidnapping of three people, from whom a ransom of 6 million Naira was demanded before they were released.

The gang leader further said that the two AK 47 weapons used in their operations had been relocated by one Yakubu Dogo in preparation for a future operation.

The suspects were found with three rings, one Airtel SIM card, one itel phone, Indian hemp, and charms.
Speaking about the successful operations, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade, thanked the people of Taraba State for their continued support.

He stated that the battle against terrorism remains one of the military’s top priorities, and that every effort will be made to ensure the safety and protection of the lives and property of the people of Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole.

He advised the public to remain watchful and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement officials for investigation.