Army Apprehends Gunrunner, Extremists, and Insurgents in Taraba, Recover Arms and Ransom

In Taraba State, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade has achieved significant success in recent operations in a bid to root out violent extremist groups and insurgents, a statement by the Army stated.

The statement showed the latest arrests to include that of a notorious gunrunner, violent extremists, and insurgents, all of whom posed a severe threat to the security and stability of the region.

According to reports from the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, the operations led to the arrest of Joshua Dutse Idah, a 45-year-old notorious gunrunner implicated in illegal arms trade across Taraba State and beyond. 

Dutse was intercepted in Ibi town of Ibi LGA while en route to Kaduna State, with a significant cache of weapons and ammunition discovered in his possession. The recovery included a PK Machine Gun, 399 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition, and 3 AK 47 Rifle Magazines.

Furthermore, troops deployed in Chanchanji successfully apprehended Janet Igohia, who was caught red-handed receiving ransom money totaling one million, five hundred thousand naira (N1,500,000.00) for an abducted victim.

Igohia confessed to being married to Voryor Gata, a notorious criminal and leader of a violent extremist group in southern Taraba. Her connections to previous high-profile criminals such as the late Terkibi Gemaga and the late Gana Terwase underscore the depth of criminal networks operating in the area.

Additionally, two suspected gunrunners, Alhaji Adamu Damisa and Usman Isah, were arrested in the Mararaba Baissa community, Donga Local Government Area. The duo, allegedly involved in extra-judicial killings and cattle rustling, were found in possession of illicit funds amounting to 664,000 naira and two Techno mobile phones.

In a separate development, Malam Muhammadu Shuaibu, a suspected violent extremist who had been evading authorities, was apprehended by troops of the 20 Model Battalion at a Forward Operating Base in Bali Local Government Area. Shuaibu, aged 50, was previously wanted for possession of illegal firearms.

Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde emphasized the commitment of the 6 Brigade to ensuring the safety of citizens by dismantling criminal networks. He urged the public to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities.

All suspects apprehended, along with recovered exhibits, will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

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