In a significant security operation, troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, alongside Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested ten suspects, including eight Boko Haram terrorists and two notorious kidnapping informants, in Taraba State.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday in Jalingo. The successful operation took place on September 29, 2024, targeting the residence of Tukura Abdul-Kareem, a suspected Boko Haram leader, in Sunkani Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area. Abdul-Kareem and seven other suspects were detained during the raid.
Oni explained that the suspects, who had traveled from various regions across Nigeria to join the terrorist group, confessed their affiliation with Boko Haram. Investigations revealed plans to establish a sleeper cell in Taraba with intentions of launching attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on civilians and critical infrastructure.
Notably, Abdul-Kareem admitted to engaging in Boko Haram activities with his brother, Adamu Abdul-Kareem, who remains at large. Items recovered during the operation included nine mobile phones, identity cards, and illegal substances such as marijuana and other drugs.
In a separate operation on September 30, 2024, in Chachanji village, Takum Local Government Area, two women—Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemo Emmanuel—were arrested. They are believed to be the wife and sister of Anyogo, a notorious kidnapper, and were allegedly providing critical information to his criminal network. Soldiers recovered a mobile phone, a motorcycle, and a calabash during the raid.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the professionalism and swift action of the troops, which helped foil a major terror plot. He also expressed gratitude to Taraba residents for their cooperation and the valuable intelligence that played a pivotal role in the operation.
“Together, we will continue to ensure a safer and more secure Taraba and Nigeria at large,” General Uwa stated.