By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Troops of 6 Brigade Jalingo, have arrested two suspects: Umar Zubair and Isah Abdulahi in the Magami area of Jalingo Local Government Area for being in possession of 436 machetes suspected to be distributed to hoodlums for criminal activities with the plan to cause unrest.
Capt. Olubudunde Oni, the acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, who disclosed this in a press release issued in Jalingo on Saturday, said that the Brigade had also foiled a possible cattle rustling and arrested five other suspected terrorists in various operations across the state.
Oni noted that the Brigade was able to record the success following credible intelligence and urged the public to always confidently approach security agencies with relevant information once they notice any suspicious movements around them.
The statement read in part: “In a significant boost to the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade have apprehended seven suspected terrorists and recovered a cache of weapons in separate operations conducted across the state. On 7 of August 2024, troops of 6 Brigade deployed at Kambari, acting on credible intelligence on suspected bandits attacking a Fulani settlement in Katlong village of Karim Lamido Local Government Area swiftly engaged the bandits who fled in disarray due to the heavy fire encounter with the troops.
One suspected bandit named Yusuf Musa was arrested with one AK 47 rifle and 20 rounds of 7.62MM special ammunition. Also, 118 cows were recovered and handed over to the rightful owners.
“Similarly, on 6 August 2024, troops received credible information on suspected bandits en route to Mashingi village market in Karim Lamido Local Government Area to purchase food items. Troops strategically laid in wait and successfully arrested 4 suspected bandits named Yusuf Hassan, Mohammed Mamman, Haruna Illa, and Hammadu Shaibu. Items recovered from them included one motorcycle, four mobile phones, and the sum of ₦57,000 only.
“In another development, on 9 August 2024, following a tip-off from a credible source on suspects gathering and preparing large numbers of machetes suspected to be distributed to hoodlums for criminal activities with the plan to cause unrest within the state, troops swiftly mobilised to the general area of Magami in Jalingo Local Government Area where two suspects named Umar Zubair and Isah Abdulahi were arrested with 436 machetes. Other items recovered from them included four filling machines, one mobile phone, and several other fabrication tools.
“The Commander, 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa commended the troops for their dedication and swift action in ensuring the safety of the people of Taraba State. He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the country and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.