In an ongoing effort by the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army to curb
the proliferation of violent extremist groups and insurgents in Taraba State,
gallant troops of the 93 Battalion, under the brigade’s command, have
successfully apprehended a notorious gunrunner.
In an official statement, Acting Assistant Director 6 Brigade
Army Public Relations Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde said the individual, identified
as Joshua Dusted Idah, aged 45, and was involved in illicit arms and ammunition
dealings, supplying criminal elements within Taraba State and beyond.
He said the operation, conducted with precision following
credible intelligence, culminated in the arrest of Joshua Dutse Idah on January
20, 2024, in Ibi town of Ibi Local Government Area.
Idah was intercepted while en-route to Kaduna State in a Blue
Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with registration number Rivers SKN-390AA.
Olubodunde said upon interrogation, he confessed to intending
to procure AK 47 Rifles from Katsina State, having already received a partial
payment of 300,000 Naira.
A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered 1 PK Machine Gun,
399 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition, and 3 AK 47 Rifle Magazines.
He said on January 25, 2024, troops received intelligence regarding the
activities of extremist groups and insurgents around Chanchanji and Sai
communities.
Acting swiftly, troops stationed at Chanchanji apprehended
Janet Igohia, aged 31, who was in possession of one million, five hundred
thousand naira (N1, 500,000.00), believed to be ransom payment for an abducted
victim. Igohia, revealing her association with notorious criminals, disclosed
her marriage to Voryor Gata, a prominent figure in a violent extremist group in
southern Taraba.
She also confessed to past marriages to high-profile
criminals, including late Terkibi Gemaga and late Gana Tersest.
Additionally, troops stationed at Mararaba Baissa community
of Donga Local Government Area apprehended two suspected gunrunners, Alhaji
Adamu Damisa, aged 40, and Usman Isah, aged 44, allegedly involved in
extra-judicial killings and cattle rustling.
The arrest yielded 664,000 Naira in cash, suspected proceeds
from their illicit activities, along with two Techno mobile phones.
In a separate incident on February 7, 2024, troops of the 20
Model Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Bali Local Government
Area arrested a suspected violent extremist, Malam Muhammadu Shuaibu, aged 50,
who had been evading capture. Preliminary investigations confirmed Shuaibu as a
wanted suspect, previously involved in the recovery of three Dane Guns from his
residence at Dakka community.
The apprehension of these individuals underscores a stern
warning to all involved in illicit arms trade and criminal activities.
The suspects, along with seized exhibits, will be handed over
to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in
accordance with relevant laws.
The 6 Brigade remains steadfast in its commitment to
safeguarding citizens by dismantling criminal networks operating in Taraba
State.
The public is urged to continue supporting the military and
other security agencies by providing credible and timely information on
suspicious activities within the state.
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