Suspected kidnapper arrested during prayer at Taraba mosque

In Takum town, Taraba State, a suspected kidnapper was apprehended while praying at the central mosque on Friday during the Assar prayer.

A local resident, Dauda Mai Dawa, confirmed the arrest to Daily Trust, noting the unusual circumstances of the capture.

On the same day, authorities detained 13 other suspects along the Takum-Maraban Baissa road as part of a broader security operation.

In a related development, the alleged mastermind behind the murders of the Chief of Chanchangi Chiefdom and his son was arrested by troops from the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE, working in collaboration with other security agencies.

Additionally, 15 more suspected kidnappers were taken into custody, with arms and ammunition recovered during the operation.

The arrest followed a series of operations conducted by the Troops across various local government areas of the state.

The Assistant Director Army public relations office, Captain Oni Olubodunde, said on 18 August 2024, troops acting on credible intelligence raided criminals’ enclave in Takum LGA of Taraba State during which a suspected kidnapper named David Musa was arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that he works with a kidnap kingpin, Ephraim, also known as SKIN THE BODY.

He further revealed that in another operation on 20 August 2024, troops arrested suspected gunrunners identified as James Nuhu and Dan-Asabe Ango in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.

According to Captain Oni, the suspects during interrogation confessed to be involved in series of crimes within Wukari and environs.

He said the suspects also mentioned one Ibrahim Philemon as the armourer who keeps the weapons and proceeds of the criminal syndicate.