Nigerian Army arrests Boko Haram suspect, others in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have apprehended a suspected Boko Haram terrorist and others involved in the kidnapping of a district head in Taraba State.

The alleged Boko Haram member, identified as Nura Yakubu, was arrested on December 20, 2024, in Garba Chede, Bali Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued to journalists on Friday in Jalingo by the Acting Spokesperson of the Brigade, Captain Oni Olubodunde, the suspect was a food vendor who reportedly harbored Boko Haram operatives deployed to Taraba State for terrorist activities.

“Investigations further linked Yakubu and his gang to previous kidnappings in the area, including those of a businessman, Mr. Arinze, and the son of Alhaji Ibrahim in Garbatau,” the army said.

In a separate operation, the army also announced the arrest of Musa Suito on December 18, 2024, in Jalingo for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a district head on November 27.

Suito, a member of a vigilante group, was alleged to have exploited his position to gather intelligence for kidnappers in the state.

Items recovered from him included a dane gun and two cartridges.

The Brigade Commander, Kingsley Uwa, expressed the army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Taraba State.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to combat criminal activities effectively.