Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Nura Yakubu, in Garba Chede, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
A statement by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, on Friday, said Yakubu was arrested based on credible intelligence.
Oni said preliminary investigations revealed that Yakubu, a food vendor, was involved in harboring Boko Haram operatives sent to Taraba State for terrorist activities.
He added that further investigations linked the suspect and his gang to the kidnapping of a businessman, Arinze, and the son of Alhaji Ibrahim in the Garbatau community of Bali Local Government Area.
Oni said troops also arrested another suspect, Musa Suito, on Dec. 18 in Jalingo metropolis.
He said Suito, a member of a vigilante group providing security for wealthy individuals, was accused of using his position to gather intelligence for kidnappers.
Oni said troops recovered one Dane gun and two cartridges from Suito during the operation.
He said the arrest followed the kidnapping of a district head in Jalingo Local Government Area on Nov. 27.
“The district head was released after a ransom was paid, prompting troops to intensify intelligence-driven operations to track and arrest the perpetrators,’’ Oni said.
He reiterated the army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Taraba and called on residents to provide credible information to support security operations.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance the fight against criminal elements,” he said.
Oni said the army remained resolute in its mission to restore peace and security in the state and beyond.
