The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of several criminals involved in illegal arms trade and violent extremism in Taraba State. The arrests were made by the 6 Brigade and its 93 Battalion, as part of their ongoing operations to ensure the state’s security.
According to a press release by Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, the troops apprehended a notorious gunrunner named Joshua Dutse Idah on 20 January 2024. Idah, 45, was caught in Ibi town while driving to Kaduna State in a blue Volkswagen Sharon vehicle. He confessed that he was going to Katsina State to bring in AK 47 rifles and that he received part payment of N300,000. The troops recovered one PK machine gun, 399 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and three AK 47 rifle magazines from his vehicle.
On 25 January 2024, the troops also arrested Janet Igohia, 31, who was picking up N1.5 million as ransom payment for an abducted victim. Igohia revealed that she was married to Voryor Gata, a notorious criminal and former second in command to late Gana Terwase, who was killed by the military in 2021. She also said that she was previously married to other high profile criminals, such as late Terkibi Gemaga, also known as Mopol, who was killed by the troops in 2019.
In addition, the troops apprehended two other suspected gunrunners, Alhaji Adamu Damisa, 40, and Usman Isah, 44, who were allegedly involved in extra judicial killings and cattle rustling. The troops seized N664,000 and two Techno mobile phones from them. They were arrested at Mararaba Baissa community of Donga Local Government Area.
In another development, the troops of 20 Model Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base in Bali Local Government Area arrested a suspected violent extremist named Malam Muhammadu Shuaibu, 50, who had been on the run. He was the same suspect who absconded earlier after three Dane guns were recovered from his residence at Dakka community through the help of his wife.
The press release stated that the arrest of these criminals should serve as a stern warning to all those involved in 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.
The press release also urged the members of the public 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.
