By correspondent in Jalingo.
(C). Punch newspaper.
The ongoing operations by 6 Brigade Nigerian Army to ensure Taraba State does not become a safe haven for violent extremist groups and Insurgents has yielded dividends.
In this regard,gallant troops of 93 Battalion, under the Brigade, has apprehended a notorious gunrunner involved in illegal dealings of arms and ammunition to criminal elements within Taraba State and other parts of the country.
Lieutenant ONI OLUBODUNDE,
Acting Assistant Director
6 Brigade Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement he signed and made available a copy to The Reporters on Sunday.
He said:” Following credible intelligence on the activities of the arms dealer named Joshua Dutse Idah, age 45, troops trailed his movement which led to his final arrest on 20 January 2024 in Ibi town of Ibi LGA while driving to Kaduna State in a Blue Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with registration number Rivers SKN-390AA.
“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 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira).
“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.
“Also, 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 at about 10:00 am, Janet Igohia,age 31, was arrested after picking up the sum of one million, five hundred thousand naira (N1,500,000.00) only being ransom payment for an abducted victim.
“Additionally, troops deployed at Mararaba Baissa community of Donga Local Government Area apprehended 2 other suspected Gunrunners allegedly involved in extra judicial killings and cattle rustling with the sum of 664,000 being proceeds from their illegal activities and 2 Techno mobile phones. The criminals are: Alhaji Adamu Damisa,age 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 confirms he is the same wanted suspect who absconded earlier after 3 Dane Guns were recovered from his residence at Dakka community through the help of his wife.’
According to LT. OLUBODUNDE,the arrest of these criminals should serve as a stern warning to all those involved in illicit arms trade and other criminal acts.
He promised that the suspects and the exhibits recovered from them would be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution, in line with extant laws guiding our operations.
“The Brigade, he said, is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens by dismantling all criminal networks operating in Taraba State.
He therefore,urged members of the public in the state to continue to support the military and other security agencies by giving them credible and timely information on suspicious movements or activities of criminals within the state.
Edited by Dawud Ahmed.
