By Callistus Agwaza in Jalingo
Eight suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorists have been arrested by troops in Ardo Kola Local Government area of Taraba state.
Olubodunde Oni, spkokesperson of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Jalingo, disclosed this in a statement, Monday night.
The statement added that two females, suspected to be informants to kidnappers were also arrested.
Oni said preliminary investigation shows that the Boko Haram suspects were preparing to commence attacks on Jalingo, the state capital, using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Part of the statement reads: “In a series of intelligence driven operations, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested 10 suspects, comprising 8 Boko Haram terrorists (BHT) and 2 high-profile kidnapper informants, in a significant effort to enhance the security of Taraba State.
“Acting swiftly on reliable intelligence, troops of the Brigade on 29 September 2024 conducted a raid on the residence of one of the terrorists leader Tukura Abdul-Kareem in Sunkani Ward of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area. “Tlhis operation resulted in the arrest of Abdul-Kareem and 7 additional suspects who had travelled from various states to join the terror cell. Investigation revealed that the 8 Boko Haram Terrorists were planning to establish a sleeper cell within “Taraba State, with the intention of launching Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on innocent individuals and critical facilities within the state.
“Abdul -Kareem also confessed to have joined the BHT with his brother Adamu Abdul -Kareem for a long period of time who is still hibernating in the bush with the terrorists at an unknown area. Items recovered from the suspects include 9 mobile phones, Identity Cards, wraps of controlled items suspected to be Marijuana and other hard drugs.
“In a separate operation, on 30 September 2024, troops of 6 Brigade deployed at Chachanji village in Takum LGA arrested 2 informants linked to high-profile kidnapping syndicates.
“These individuals are known to have provided vital information to kidnappers who have been aiding a wanted notorious criminal known as Anyogo and his gang with information on the activities of troops within the area and also responsible for identifying businessmen with money to be robbed or kidnapped for ransom.
“The two suspects, namely; Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemu Emmanuel, are believed to be Anyogo’s wife and sister respectively.
“Items recovered from the suspects include 1 Mobile phone, 1 Super Core motorcycle and a calabash”.
