By Victor Akaa.
In a daring operation, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) and Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of items, including 14 motorcycles, a locally fabricated pistol, and two bags of Indian hemp in Taraba State.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director 6 Brigade Army Public Relations disclosed this on Monday in a statement noted the swift response was triggered by a distress call from Chachanji village residents, who reported the abduction of two individuals by an armed group of about 10 men on motorcycles on November 7, 2024.
He said, troops immediately sprang into action, launching a rapid response operation that forced the kidnappers to retreat, leaving behind their pistol and Indian hemp.
According to him , troops thereafter conducted a follow-up operation on November 9, 2024, led to the arrest of 12 suspects and the seizure of 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were part of the kidnapping operation, led by notorious terrorist Veior John Gata, who has been orchestrating criminal activities in southern Taraba and Benue states.
The suspects confessed that Veior aimed to spread fear and terror among buyers and sellers in Chachanji market.
“The suspects further confessed that Veior was with them at Agu centre on 5 November 2024 before the killing of two locals and abduction of two individuals on 6th and 7th November, respectively, at Chachanji general area.
“Veior was displeased with the locals in Chachanji. Hence , he wanted to ensure the market was closed down by putting fear and terror in the minds of birth buyers and sellers,” he explained.
The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army commends residents for their cooperation and urges continued support in providing timely and credible information to facilitate security operations.
The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring safety and security in all communities within its area of operation. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
