Taraba: Soldiers Reject N2million Bribe From Terrorists To Free Them

By Adesina Soyooye

Gallant and patriotic Nigerian soldiers have shocked terrorists who thought they could buy them over with money.

The terrorists were six in number, and to secure their release, the sum of two million Naira was offered to

Troops of the Nigerian Army.

But the gallant troops, angry at what the terrorists have reduced Nigeria to, with the zeal of patriotism burning in them, and insulted that the criminals had the courage to offer them bribe to secure their release, pounced on them and arrested  them.

Arrested were six notorious kidnappers who security agents have long been looking for.

In a statement, the military confirmed that the terrorists who have been wreaking havoc in Taraba State and environs were arrested on May 19, 2024 during two  operations in the Wukari and Ibi Local Government Areas of the State. They met their Waterloo in the hands of the operatives of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

The statement issued  by the Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, revealed that the terrorists were responsible for the kidnap of high profile persons, especially, foreigners.

The six  captured criminals are: Usman Gide Ali, 25, Abdulraman Adamu, 28, Jafaru Banyi, 28, Mohammad Ardo, 25, Ahamadu Lawal Shatta, 20 and Biyu Ardo, 25.

In the statement, Olubodunde explained:

“In a significant operation on 19 May 2024, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have successfully captured 6 suspected kidnappers in separate operations carried out within Taraba State.

“Acting on a tip-off, troops from the 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, stationed at Forward Operating Base Wukari, carried out a well-planned raid in Chinkai Village of Wukari Local Government Area.

“This raid led to the apprehension of two individuals identified as Usman Gide Ali, aged 25 and Abdulrahaman Amadu, aged 28. The suspects have been on wanted list of the security agencies for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Wukari and its surroundings.

“Upon their arrest, the suspects attempted to bribe the troops with two million Naira for their release.

“However, the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe, underscoring their dedication to justice and integrity.

“In a parallel operation in Ibi Local Government Area, troops stationed at Sarikin Kudu, acting on credible intelligence apprehended four more suspected kidnappers.

“Those arrested are: Jafaru Banyi, aged 28, Mohammad Ardo, aged 25, Amadu Lawal Shatta, aged 20 and Biyu Ardu, aged 25. These captured suspects have been linked to numerous high-profile abductions in the region, targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom and have long been under the surveillance of security agencies.

“The Commander 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidebere Uwa, has since commended the troops for their courage and unwavering commitment to ethical standards. He emphasised that the successful apprehension of these suspects is a testament to the diligent efforts and dedication of the soldiers, highlighting their refusal to accept bribes as a clear demonstration of their professionalism and integrity.”