Army arrests eight suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Taraba

File photo: Boko Haram flag

In a major breakthrough, troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have apprehended ten suspects, including eight Boko Haram terrorists and two notorious kidnapping informants, in Taraba State.

This was disclosed in a statement released Tuesday in Jalingo by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni.

According to the statement, the arrests followed a carefully executed raid on 29 September 2024 at the residence of Tukura Abdul-Kareem, a suspected Boko Haram leader, in Sunkani Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of the state.

Oni revealed that Abdul-Kareem and seven others were apprehended during the operation.

The suspects, who reportedly travelled from different parts of the country to join the terror group, confessed to being members of Boko Haram.

“Investigations uncovered plans by the suspects to establish a sleeper cell in Taraba, with the intent of launching attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on civilians and critical infrastructure,” the statement read.

The army spokesperson also revealed that Abdul-Kareem confessed to being involved in Boko Haram activities alongside his brother, Adamu Abdul-Kareem, who remains at large.

Items recovered from the suspects included nine mobile phones, identity cards, and illicit substances believed to be marijuana and other hard drugs.

In a separate operation conducted on 30 September 2024, soldiers stationed in Chachanji village, Takum Local Government Area, arrested two women, Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemo Emmanuel.

The women, believed to be the wife and sister of a notorious kidnapper, Anyogo, were allegedly providing key information to his criminal syndicate.

During the operation, soldiers seized a mobile phone, a motorcycle, and a calabash from the suspects.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the professionalism and swift action of the troops, which he said had foiled a terror plot and safeguarded the lives of civilians in the state.

He also commended the residents of Taraba for their cooperation and valuable intelligence, stressing that their support remains crucial to maintaining peace and security.

“Together, we will continue to ensure a safer and more secure Taraba and Nigeria at large,” Uwa said.