The notorious kidnapping gang behind the abduction of business owners, government officials, and motorists with exotic cars in Taraba has been dismantled by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), resulting in the arrest of eleven members. The police recovered seven AK-47 rifles, 121 live ammunition, and other weapons from the suspects.
CP Frank Mba, the Force spokesman, revealed that the apprehended suspects were involved in various recent kidnapping incidents in Taraba, including the abduction of a Nigeria Customs Service personnel, a relative of the Emir of Jalingo, and the killing of a police sergeant in Jalingo. According to Mba, the suspects targeted individuals such as business owners, government functionaries, and motorists with flashy cars and exotic vehicles.
Mba stated, “The Operatives of the Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team, working with the Taraba State Police Command, have arrested a total of eleven (11) notorious kidnapping suspects in Taraba State for their complicity and various criminal roles in the recent trend of kidnapping incidents in Taraba State including the kidnapping of a 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 Taraba State capital.”
The suspects, who are natives of Taraba State, were found to be members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate. They have been linked to the recent surge in kidnapping incidents and attacks on security personnel. The suspects’ modus operandi involved trailing and kidnapping individuals, collecting hefty ransoms from their victims’ relatives and friends, and using various hideouts to detain the kidnapped victims. The police also rescued numerous kidnap victims and recovered weapons and incriminating items during their raids.
IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc deployed the Intelligence Response Team to Taraba State to complement the efforts of the Taraba State Police Command in containing the kidnappings, armed robberies, and violent crimes. The suspects will be charged to court once investigations are completed.
The IGP lauded the support of the people of Taraba State in providing vital information that led to the prompt arrest of the suspects. He also expressed condolences to the family of the late Sergeant Ogidi Habu and pledged to continue working with stakeholders to enhance the safety of Taraba residents.
The article is accompanied by several images depicting the police operation.