In a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested three individuals suspected of collaborating with bandits in Taraba State.
The operation took place on October 15, 2024, in Landey Jessy village, located in Lau Local Government Area.
The army’s swift action was based on intelligence reports, according to a statement released by the Acting spokesperson of the brigade, Captain Oni Olubodunde.
A Coordinated Operation
The soldiers, responding to reports of increased bandit activity in the region, launched an intelligence-driven operation aimed at neutralizing terrorist elements operating in the Kona mountain range.
The mountain range, which spans both Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas, has been a known hideout for bandits who have been terrorizing local communities.
According to Captain Olubodunde, the army received credible information about the presence of collaborators in the area.
The intelligence report prompted the troops to move swiftly to Landey Jessy village, where they apprehended three suspects.
The suspects were identified as Ahijo Sulaiman, Abdulrahman Isah, and Aisha Mohammed.
Arrest and Interrogation
During the operation, the army uncovered shocking details about the activities of the suspects.
According to the statement, Aisha Mohammed, the wife of Ahijo Sulaiman, confessed during questioning that their home had been used as a storage location for weapons after terrorist operations.
This revelation confirmed suspicions that bandits were using local collaborators to hide their weapons and avoid detection by security forces.
Abdulrahman Isah, another suspect, was also implicated in a separate crime.
He was identified by a victim who claimed that Isah had attempted to kidnap them in September 2024 in Iware, a town located in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
Suspects in Custody
At the time of reporting, all three suspects were said to be in the custody of the Nigerian Army, where they are being held for further interrogation.
The army did not reveal further details about the ongoing investigation, but it is expected that the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
The arrests are a significant development in the fight against banditry in Taraba State, where communities have been living in fear due to the activities of armed groups.
Banditry and Insecurity in Taraba State
Taraba State, located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, has faced persistent security challenges in recent years.
The region has been plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and clashes between herders and farmers.
These criminal activities have led to the displacement of thousands of people and the loss of lives and property.
The Kona mountain range, where the recent operation took place, has been a notorious stronghold for bandits.
The rugged terrain of the area makes it difficult for security forces to patrol, allowing criminal elements to operate with relative ease.
Over the years, bandits have used the mountains as a base to launch attacks on surrounding communities, abducting civilians for ransom and stealing livestock.
Army’s Commitment to Fighting Terrorism
The Nigerian Army, through its various operations across the country, has been at the forefront of efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.
The army’s operation in Taraba State is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the networks of bandits and their collaborators.
In his statement, Captain Olubodunde reassured the public of the army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He said, “The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and ensuring the nation’s territorial integrity is preserved.”
The spokesperson added that the army will continue to carry out intelligence-driven operations to root out criminal elements and restore peace to affected communities.
