Troops from the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke captured ten suspects, including eight Boko Haram militants and two known kidnapping informants, in Taraba State.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, announced this in a statement released in Jalingo on Tuesday.
According to the announcement, the arrests were made following a well-planned raid on Tukura Abdul-Kareem’s home in Sunkani Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, on September 29, 2024.
Oni claimed that Abdul-Kareem and seven other individuals were captured during the operation.
The suspects, who reportedly travelled from different parts of the country to join the terror group, confessed to being members of Boko Haram.
“Investigations uncovered plans by the suspects to establish a sleeper cell in Taraba, with the intent of launching attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on civilians and critical infrastructure,” the statement read.
The army spokesperson also revealed that Abdul-Kareem admitted to being part in Boko Haram activities alongside his brother, Adamu Abdul-Kareem, who is still at large.
Nine mobile phones, identity cards, and illicit substances suspected of being marijuana and other hard drugs were discovered on the suspects’ property.
Separately, on September 30, 2024, troops stationed in Chachanji hamlet, Takum Local Government Area, detained two women, Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemo Emmanuel.
The women, thought to be the wife and sister of infamous kidnapper Anyogo, were allegedly supplying critical intelligence to his criminal gang.
During the raid, soldiers took a cellphone, a motorcycle, and a calabash from the suspects.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, lauded the troops’ professionalism and quick action, claiming that they stopped a terror plan and saved civilian lives in the state.
He also praised Taraba villagers for their collaboration and useful intelligence, emphasizing the need of their continued help in sustaining peace and security.
“Together, we will continue to ensure a safer and more secure Taraba and Nigeria at large,” Uwa informed the audience.
