In the ongoing operations by the 6th Brigade Nigerian Army to ensure Taraba State does not become a haven for violent extremist groups and Insurgents, troops of 93 Battalion under the Brigade have successfully arrested a gunrunner involved in illegal dealings of arms and ammunition to criminal elements within Taraba State and other parts of the country.
The Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, said that following credible intelligence on the activities of the arms dealer named Joshua Dutse Idah, 45, troops trailed his movement which led to his arrest on 20 January 2024 in Ibi town of Ibi Local Government Area while driving to Kaduna State in a Blue Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with registration number Rivers SKN-390AA.
Olubodunde said: “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 of the vehicle, troops recovered one PK Machine Gun, Quantity 399 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and three AK 47 Rifle Magazines.”
Similarly, on 25 January 2024, information was received from own sources on the activities of extremist groups and Insurgents around Chanchanji and Sai communities on their plans to move to a drop zone where relatives of abducted victims were directed to drop ransom money.
Based on this information, troops deployed at Chanchanji laid in wait at the suspected area and about 10:00 am, Janet Igohia, age 31 was arrested after picking up the sum of N1,500,000.00 only being ransom payment for an abducted victim.
While fielding questions from the soldiers, Janet Igohia revealed that she is presently married to Voryor Gata a notorious criminal and former second-in-command to late Gana Terwase.
The image manager said: “She is currently married to the leader of a violent extremist group in southern Taraba. According to her, she had previously been married to high-profile criminals such as the late Terkibi Gemaga aka Mopol, a notorious kidnapper who was killed by troops five years ago. She revealed that she also got married to late Gana Terwase another notorious criminal who was killed during Joint Special Force Operation three years ago.
“Additionally, troops deployed at Mararaba Baissa community of Donga Local Government Area apprehended two other suspected Gunrunners who were allegedly involved in extra-judicial killings and cattle rustling with the sum of N664,000 which were proceeds from their illegal activities and two Techno mobile phones. The criminals are Alhaji Adamu Damisa, 40, and Usman Isah, 44.
“In another development, troops of 20 Model Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base in Bali Local Government Area on 7 February 2024 arrested a suspected violent extremist named Malam Muhammadu Shuaibu, 50 who has been on the run. Preliminary investigation confirmed he is the same wanted suspect who absconded earlier after three Dane Guns were recovered from his residence at Dakka community through the help of his wife.
“The arrest of these criminals should also serve as a stern warning to all those involved in the illicit arms trade and other criminal acts. The suspects and the exhibits recovered will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws guiding our operations.
“The Brigade is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens by dismantling all criminal networks operating in Taraba State. Members of the public are urged to continue to support the military and other security agencies by giving credible and timely information on suspicious movements or activities of criminals within the state.”
