Troops Arrest Multiple Crime Kingpins, Terrorists, Suspected Killers Of Traditional Ruler And His Son In Taraba State

Troops of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with other security agencies, have achieved a significant feat in its relentless fight against crime and terrorism in various local government areas of Taraba State.

The Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade, Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, August 23, 2024, said troops arrested multiple criminals, terrorists including a Tiv militia kingpin, Mela Selim, believed to have masterminded the killing of a traditional ruler of Chanchangi and his son at Jankindo village in Takum Local Government Area of the state.

The operations, carried out across various Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, resulted in the arrest of several criminals, kidnappers, terrorists, and suspected bandits.

On August 18, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, troops raided a criminal hideout in Takum LGA, leading to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper named David Musa.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Musa is associated with a notorious kidnap kingpin, Ephraim, also known as "Skin the Body." The suspect is currently undergoing further investigation to uncover more details about the criminal network.

In another operation on August 20, 2024, troops arrested suspected gunrunners, James Nuhu and Dan-Asabe Ango, in Wukari LGA. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to participating in various criminal activities within Wukari and surrounding areas.

They also identified Ibrahim Philemon as the group's armourer, responsible for storing weapons and managing the proceeds of their criminal activities.

Following this information, troops conducted a swift follow-up operation at Philemon's residence, where they recovered a safe containing a large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition and assorted weapons.

In a related development, troops and other security agencies, acting on intelligence regarding the movement of two members of the Konyo-led Tiv militias along the Takum–Katsina-Ala Road in Takum LGA, conducted a covert operation that led to the arrest of suspects Fidelis Nyitar and Isaiah Ioraa. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were en route to Takum to procure logistics items for the militia cells hiding between Dogon Gawa in Takum LGA and Tor Donga in Benue State. The suspects are in custody and undergoing further investigation.

Similarly, on August 21, 2024, troops tracked down and arrested Mela Selim, a Tiv militia kingpin believed to have masterminded the killing of the Chief of Chanchangi at Jankindo Village in Takum LGA on July 19, 2024.

Selim is currently being interrogated, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the militia group. In another operation, troops of the 6 Brigade, along with members of the Vigilante, encountered an ambush by terrorists while on patrol in Lissam, Kuruku, and Kwesati communities in Ussa LGA.

The troops effectively countered the ambush, using superior firepower to force the terrorists to flee into the bushes. During the pursuit, troops discovered traces of blood along the terrorists' escape route and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, a locally fabricated gun, and two motorcycles.

Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing terrorists.

The commander of the 6 Brigade expressed gratitude to the citizens of Taraba State for their support and the provision of credible intelligence that contributed to the successes achieved in the operations.

He also urged the public to continue supporting the military and security agencies in their efforts to ensure lasting peace in the state.