Taraba State Police Commissioner, David Iloyonomon, stated, "In a bid to assuage the Command from the menace of Crimes and Criminalities, more especially heinous Crimes like Kidnapping, Rubbery, Banditry, and Cattle Rustling that have bedevilled the State." He emphasized the adoption of a strategic approach that included local hunters and vigilantes as critical stakeholders in the fight against crime.
The recent success was attributed to the determined efforts of local hunters who conducted a raid on the kidnappers' camp situated on the Gong-Gongmaliki Mountain in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the neutralization of several suspected kidnappers, while others managed to escape with injuries.
A total of 40 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation and promptly taken to the police clinic for comprehensive medical examinations, counseling, and treatment. The rescued individuals exhibited various injuries and ailments, with some requiring specialized medical attention. Notably, one victim, Yahaya Fidelis, had his right eye plucked out by the kidnappers, and another victim, Musa Yahaya, sustained two gunshot injuries.
Following these events, the Taraba State Police Command deployed a tactical team from the anti-kidnapping unit to pursue and apprehend collaborators and fleeing kidnappers in the Gong-Gong Maliki Mountains. Ten kidnappers, including Jibo Alh. Gagare, were apprehended in the Mallum and Kasuwan Ladi area of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area. The police recovered an AK-47 and a Dane gun during the arrest.
The Commissioner affirmed the commitment of the Taraba State Police Command to consistently combat insecurity in the state through proactive and persistent efforts to dismantle criminal elements. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of collaborative strategies involving law enforcement agencies, local hunters, and vigilante groups in addressing security challenges and rescuing victims from criminal activities.
Tags
Nigerian Crime