Troops nab three suspected kidnappers, rescue two victims in Taraba
Family applauds NSA for rescuing abducted relatives
TROOPS of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke ( OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested three suspected kidnappers in Taraba State.
The troops also rescued two kidnapped victims during the raid of the suspects’ hideouts at Adamu Katibu mountain in Lau Local Council.
The suspects are: Haruna Buba, 20, Hassan Kakale and Hussaini Kakale, both 28. A statement by the military read: “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 rescued victims who were also identified as Hauwa’u Umaru and Asma’u Umaru, who were abducted on July 7, were said to have been immediately taken to the headquarters of the 6 Brigade for psychological and medical support and thereafter handed over to their families.
IN another development, troops, according to the statement, were alerted by the sound of sporadic shooting in Chinkai, in Wukari Local Council, and on getting to the location, discovered the lifeless body
of one of the most wanted terrorists that operate in Southern Taraba and Awe Local Council of neighbouring Nasarawa State.
The suspect identified as Alhaji Gana was allegedly killed during a shootout by a rival terrorist group.
The statement added that Gana’s brother “who engages in the same acts of terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and gun running with him was also killed during the shootout.”
MEANWHILE, the family of Musa Dutse Gimba has expressed deep appreciation to the National Security Adviser ( NSA), AIG Nuhu Ribadu ( rtd) for bringing back their kidnapped family members alive.
The entire family members were, on June 23, kidnapped by bandits, who invaded their residence at night when her husband, Musa Gimba, a medical doctor, was on duty in the hospital.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Gimba said his wife was reunited with him and their three surviving boys on July 9 after days in captivity.
During the ordeal that commenced with their abduction, the first of their children was killed by the kidnappers, before the mother was released to secure a ransom of N150 million.
“However, security forces, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and bravery, successfully conducted the rescue operation.
“We want to use this medium to bring some sort of closure to this harrowing and unforgettable experience, that we do not wish on anyone. We also want to use this opportunity to thank all those, who, one way or the other, were instrumental in bringing us to this point,” he said.
Gimba specifically mentioned the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu and his office, for their unrelenting efforts.