Nigerian Army troops have arrested 12 individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping operations in Taraba. The arrests were made during an ongoing rescue operation following a distress call from residents of Chachanji village, who reported the abduction of two people by a group of about 10 armed men on motorcycles on November 7.
According to an official statement posted by the Nigerian Army on X.com, soldiers responding to the incident recovered 14 motorcycles, two bags of Indian hemp, and a locally crafted pistol. During their initial confrontation with the kidnappers, the troops’ “superior firepower” forced the armed group to retreat deeper into the forest, abandoning their weapons and supplies in the process. The army noted that their action disrupted the kidnappers’ activities, making it more difficult for the suspects to continue their operations in the area.
The military later conducted a follow-up operation on November 9 in Mbhakyir village, near Agu Centre, which led to the arrest of 12 suspects at a local drinking spot. The detained suspects reportedly admitted their involvement in the recent kidnapping and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, described by authorities as a “notorious terrorist” who has long been wanted by security agencies for his involvement in criminal acts across parts of southern Taraba and Benue states.
