By Adeyanju Esther
Ten persons have been apprehended, including eight Boko Haram terrorists and two high-profile female kidnappers’ informants, by the troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Taraba State.
The feat, according to a press statement issued to journalists on Tuesday by the Brigade Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Oni Olubodunde, was made possible by the troops who acted on “reliable intelligence.”
The operation led to the arrest of Abdul-Kareem along with seven other suspects who had traveled from various states to join the terror cell.
This raid took place on September 29, 2024, when troops targeted the residence of one of the terrorist leaders, Tukura Abdul-Kareem, in the Sunkani Ward of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
“Investigations revealed that the eight Boko Haram terrorists were planning to establish a sleeper cell in Taraba State, intending to carry out Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on innocent civilians and critical infrastructure,” he stated.
Abdul-Kareem reportedly confessed that he and his brother, Adamu Abdul-Kareem, had been involved with Boko Haram for an extended period.
The suspects were found in possession of nine mobile phones, identity cards, bundles of substances believed to be marijuana, and other illicit drugs.
In another operation, troops from the 6 Brigade based in Chachanji village, Takum Local Government Area, also reported the arrest of two female informants linked to prominent kidnapping syndicates.
“These individuals are known to have supplied crucial information to kidnappers and a notorious fugitive named Anyogo and his gang about troop activities in the area. They also played a role in identifying wealthy businessmen who could be targeted for robbery or kidnapping for ransom,” he added.
He identified the suspects as Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemu Emmanuel, whom the army believes to be Anyogo’s wife and sister, respectively.