Troops Arrest Suspected Ransom Carrier, Gunrunner In Taraba
Troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army on Thursday apprehended a notorious gunrunner, violent extremists, and a suspected ransom carrier involved in illegal dealings of arms and ammunition to criminal elements within Taraba State and other parts of the country.
The Army announced this in a statement on Thursday evening, revealing that the suspects were captured by troops from the 93 Battalion of the Brigade based on credible intelligence about their illicit activities.
Among the arrested individuals is 45-year-old Joshua Dutse Idah, identified as an arms dealer, who was tracked by troops and arrested on January 20 in Ibi town, Ibi LGA.
“On interrogation, Dutse confessed he was going to Katsina State to bring in AK 47 rifles and that he received part payment of 300,000….After a thorough search on the vehicle, troops recovered 1 PK machine gun, quantity 399 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and 3 AK 47 rifle magazines,” the statement reads.
Janet Igohia, aged 31, was also apprehended by the troops after collecting N1,500,000.00 as ransom payment for an abducted victim.
Igohia, disclosing her association with notorious criminals, mentioned being married to Voryor Gata, a notorious criminal and a former second-in-command to the late Gana Terwase.
She claimed previous marriages to high-profile criminals, including the late Terkibi Gemaga, AKA Mopol, a notorious kidnapper who was killed by troops five years ago, and the late Gana Terwase, another notorious criminal who was killed during Joint Special Force Operation three years ago.
Additionally, troops deployed in Mararaba Baissa community of Donga Local Government Area also detained two suspected gunrunners, Alhaji Adamu Damisa (40) and Usman Isah (44), allegedly involved in extrajudicial killings and cattle rustling.
Their arrest resulted in the seizure of 664,000, believed to be the proceeds of illegal activities, as well as two Techno mobile phones.
In another similar development, on February 7, troops from the 20th Model Battalion stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Bali Local Government Area apprehended Malam Muhammadu Shuaibu, a 50-year-old suspected violent extremist on the run.
The Army said a preliminary investigation confirmed that Shuaibu is the same wanted suspect who fled earlier after three Dane Guns were recovered from his home in the Dakka community with the assistance of his wife.
The army added that the suspects and recovered exhibits will be turned over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the existing laws that govern its operations.
It cautioned, however, that the arrest of these criminals should serve as a warning to all those involved in the illegal arms trade and other criminal acts.
