Nigerian Army Nabs 12 Suspected Kidnappers In Taraba, Foils Criminal Operations

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during a targeted operation in Taraba State.

The arrests followed a distress call from residents of Chachanji village, who reported that two people had been abducted by an armed gang of about 10 men on motorcycles on November 7.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday on X.com, the army’s prompt response led to a confrontation with the suspected kidnappers. “Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush,” the statement noted.

During the raid, security forces recovered 14 motorcycles, two bags of Indian hemp, and a locally made pistol abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

Following the initial operation, troops launched a follow-up mission to locate additional members of the criminal network. On November 9, they raided a drinking joint in Mbhakyir village, close to Agu Centre, where they arrested 12 suspects.

During interrogation, the detainees allegedly confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping scheme and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious criminal wanted for orchestrating various illegal activities in southern Taraba and neighbouring Benue State.

Military officials emphasised that the operation not only led to the rescue of the abducted individuals but also disrupted further criminal plots in the area. “The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations,” the statement added.

Residents of Chachanji and surrounding communities have expressed relief, while security forces have vowed to maintain heightened vigilance across Taraba and surrounding regions.