Nigerian Army Arrests 12 Kidnapping Suspects in Taraba State

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 12 individuals suspected of kidnapping during a rescue operation in Taraba State. The arrest follows a distress call from Chachanji village, where residents reported that a group of about 10 armed men on motorcycles had abducted two people on November 7.

According to an official statement shared by the army on Tuesday via X.com, their troops responded swiftly to the call and launched a rescue operation. “Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp,” the statement read.

During the operation, the soldiers also recovered 14 motorcycles, a critical asset often used by kidnappers for swift movement. The army stated that their decisive intervention not only disrupted the criminals’ activities but also prevented further crime in the area. “The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations,” the statement added.

In a follow-up operation conducted on November 9, the army’s troops successfully tracked and arrested 12 suspects at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village, near Agu Centre. During their interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being part of the kidnapping operation. They also identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious criminal wanted by security agencies for his role in various criminal activities across southern Taraba and parts of Benue State.

The arrest of the suspects is being seen as a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of crime in the region. The Nigerian Army has pledged to maintain its efforts in keeping the state and neighboring areas safe from criminal activities.

The operation highlights ongoing security challenges faced by many communities in Taraba and beyond. Residents have expressed relief at the military’s intervention. One local, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “We are grateful to the army for acting quickly. We have lived in fear, but their action gives us hope that security will improve.”