Victims Liberated as Police Smash Taraba Kidnap Gang …Recover Arms, Ammunition

Yemi Akinsuyi/

Eleven suspects have been held in Taraba State for alleged complicity in kidnapping incidents, as several victims were liberated during a special operation.

NewsmakersNG learned that the suspects were arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) attached to the Taraba State Police Command.

The arrest followed a series of kidnapping incidents in Taraba, including the kidnapping of serving personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service, kidnapping of a relative of the Emir of Jalingo, and the killing of a Police Sergeant in Jalingo, the state capital.

According to police authorities, weapons recovered during raids of various hideouts where the suspects were arrested included seven AK47 rifles, two Beretta pistols, 121 rounds of live ammunition of different calibers, four magazines, masks, illicit drugs, and other incriminating items.

NewsmakersNG also learned that the IRT was deployed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba to complement the efforts of the Taraba State Police Command in promptly containing the trend of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in the state.

The suspects, Luka Adam, Shuaibu Nuhu, Moses Amos, Peters Mashi, Ahmadu Mallam, Adamu Mohammed, Dahiru Mallam Dalha, Gambo Isah, Sanusi Ahmadu, Mallam Mohammed Mauludu, Ibrahim Idi, all indigenes of Taraba State, were allegedly arrested at their hideouts.

The suspects, who were on the police wanted list were identified as members of a notorious kidnap syndicate evidentially linked to the recent upsurge in incidents of kidnappings in the state, including the deliberate and calculated attacks on security personnel.

Investigations also revealed how two of the suspects, Gambo Isah and Sanusi Ahmadu masterminded the killing of the Police Sergeant and left a Police Inspector with gunshot injuries in their recent operation to enable them to escape arrest having abducted some victims in Jalingo recently.

Detectives also discovered that the suspects usually trail individuals, business owners, government functionaries, motorists with flashy and exotic cars, to their houses and thereafter plan and execute the kidnap of such persons.

They also collect huge sums of money as ransom from relatives and friends of their victims before their release.

The Police during investigations equally identified and raided various criminal hideouts where kidnap victims were found, liberated, and reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, investigators are intensifying efforts at arresting other suspects still at large.

While commending the people of Taraba State for supporting the police especially in providing useful information that aided the prompt apprehension of the suspects, the IGP assured that the police would continue to work with all stakeholders in deepening the collective safety of the people.

The IGP condoled the family of the late Sgt Habu. He said that the Force would sustain efforts at improving public safety in all Nigerian communities.

The police assured that all the suspects will be charged to court on completion of investigations.

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