Taraba: Factional Clash Leads To Death of Kidnap Kingpin

Taraba: Factional Clash Leads To Death of Kidnap Kingpin

By Lynn Adda

A suspected Factional clash between rival criminal gangs has led to the death of one of the most wanted notorious terrorists operating in Southern Taraba and Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

This is contained in a Press Release made available to newsmen by the 6 Brigade of the Nigeria Army in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital.

The terrorist Kinpin identified as Alhaji Gana was suspected to have been killed during a shoot out by a rival terrorist group.

“In Wukari LGA, troops were alerted by sound of sporadic shooting in Chinkai and on getting to the location of the firing, discovered the lifeless body of one of the most wanted notorious terrorists that operate in Southern Taraba State and Awe LGA in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Gana suspected to have been killed during by a rival terrorist group. Gana’s brother who engages in same acts of terrorism ( kidnapping, armed robbery, gun running etc ) with him was also killed during the shootout “.

In another intensified operation conducted to clear terrorists den on 8 July 2024, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, raided suspected kidnapper hideouts at Adamu Katibu Mountain in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to the release, the operation led to the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two victims.

“The operation was based on thorough intelligence gathering and surveillance. The kidnappers, members of a notorious gang in the region, were captured after a gunfight that forced the gang to flee, abandoning their hostages. The suspects, Haruna Buba (20), Hassan Kakale and Hussaini Kakale (both 28), were apprehended on the spot.

“The rescued victims, Hauwa’u Alh Umaru and Asma’u Alh Umaru, who were abducted on 7July 2024, were immediately taken to Headquarters 6 Brigade for psychological and medical support and thereafter handed over to their families”.

Handing over the victims to their families, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their bravery and precision.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to the safety and security of Taraba State residents.

“This development highlights our determination to fight terrorism and all forms of criminal activities towards maintaining peace in Taraba State and beyond. We will continue to work relentlessly with other security agencies and stakeholders to protect our citizens and bring criminals to justice.

“The suspects are currently being interrogated and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution while the troops continue to trail all terrorists groups”.

The 6 Brigade encouraged the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing timely information to help curb criminal activities in the region.