Troops deployed for counter-terrorism operations in the North East on Thursday, 18 April 2024, troops responding to a distress call, swiftly foiled a kidnap attempt on Mr Musa Arewa by three armed kidnappers in Lankaviri community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State
The army, in a statement issued Friday said the kidnappers, having rigorously tortured their victim, were intercepted by the troops, as they attempted to smuggle him into a nearby bush.
It noted that the suspected kidnappers were arrested, and three locally fabricated guns were recovered from them.
It said: “In another jointly coordinated effort with hunters and other security agencies, the troops conducted a fighting patrol to clear communities infiltrated by terrorists.
“During the clearance operation, troops neutralised a notorious terrorist, identified as Gambo Kachallah, who has been terrorising the communities.”
It added that the affected communities included: Garau, Paskere, Tella, Jukun, Farin Ruwa, Mashingi, Jeb Jeb, and Rafin Kada Villages in Karim Lamido Local Government of Taraba State.
It explained that i a separate operation, troops successfully apprehended a notorious syndicate specialised in cattle rustling in Plateau State.
It said, “Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a sting operation targeting the terrorists’ enclave in Mangu Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The operation culminated in a decisive fire engagement with the terrorists, resulting in their arrest and the recovery of illicit arms.
“The arrested suspects, identified as Peter Sale, Enoch Luka, and Hosaana Philibus, are believed to be key members of the cattle rustling syndicate.”
The troops also recovered one fabricated rifle, one fabricated pistol, 7 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, a motorbike and 2 phones from the suspects.
