From VICTOR GAI, Jalingo
In separate operations, troops of the 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Jalingo, Taraba State, have arrested some gun runners and “a violent extremist” in Ibi, Donga and Bali LGAs of the State.
According to a statement by the Brigade spokesman, Oni Olubodunde, the suspects were arrested between 20 January and 7 February, 2024 with cash which were proceeds of crime as well as assorted weapons following intelligence information.
The statement read: “Following credible intelligence on the activities of the arms dealer named Joshua Dutse Idah, age 45, troops trailed his movement which led to his final arrest on 20 January 2024 in Ibi town of Ibi LGA while driving to Kaduna State in a Blue Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with registration number Rivers SKN-390 AA.
On interrogation, Dutse confessed he was going to Katsina State to bring in AK 47 Rifles and that he received part payment of 300,000 (three hundred thousand Naira). After a thorough search of the vehicle, troops recovered 1 PK Machine Gun, Quantity 399 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and 3 AK 47 Rifle Magazines.
“Additionally, troops deployed at Mararaba Baissa community of Donga Local Government Area, apprehended 2 other suspected gunrunners who were allegedly involved in extra judicial killings and cattle rustling with the sum of 664,000 (six hundred and sixty four thousand Naira) which were proceeds from their illegal activities and 2 Techno mobile phones. The criminals are: Alhaji Adamu Damisa, age 40 and Usman Isah, age 44.
“In another development, troops of 20 Model Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base in Bali Local Government Area on 7 February 2024, arrested a suspected violent extremist named Malam Muhammadu Shuaibu, age 50, who has been on the run.
Preliminary investigation confirmed he is the same wanted suspect who absconded earlier after 3 Dane Guns were recovered from his residence at Dakka community through the help of his wife.
According to the statement, the “suspects and the exhibits recovered will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws guiding our operations”
