Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, Sector 3, under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have apprehended a notorious kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a coordinated sting operation in Lau Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State.
The operation, which targeted kidnapping activities in the areas of Maraban Abare, Bomanda, and Karamuke villages, was disclosed in a statement issued by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, on Monday.
On November 12, troops arrested Suleiman Ahmad, a resident of Bomanda village, who confessed to abducting about 20 individuals within Lau LGA. Ahmad admitted to extorting over 70 million Naira from his victims, according to the statement.
Following Ahmad’s confession, a follow-up operation on November 15 led to the recovery of the AK-47 rifle he used in his criminal activities. Troops also arrested an accomplice, identified as Hussaini, a suspected gunrunner, at his residence in the Mayo Dassa area of Lau LGA.
“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens,” Oni stated. He emphasized that efforts to dismantle criminal networks will continue, urging public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
The operation highlights the military’s ongoing efforts to curb violent crimes and protect law-abiding residents in Taraba State.