TROOPS ARREST SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN UNIJOS STUDENTS' KIDNAP

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The Nigerian Army confirmed on Thursday that its troops have arrested 91 criminal suspects in connection with the kidnapping of some students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

According to the Army, the suspects were also arrested in connection with the attack on Takania Village, farm destruction, armed robbery, drug dealing, and cattle rustling, among other crimes.

It went on to say that troops from Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV accomplished all of these during several operations launched from September 25 to October 4, 2023.

“The notorious kidnappers, Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman who have been on wanted list of OPSH were arrested at Mista Ali village in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State,” the statement read in part.

“The suspects during interrogation narrated that they were involved in the kidnapping of 7 students of University of Jos (UNIJOS) in July 2023.”

One AK 47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was discovered from the suspects.

Acting on credible information, the gallant troops also arrested Mr Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass in connection with the attack on Takania village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State, where six people were murdered in cold blood.

The troops also arrested two notorious armed robbers/kidnappers Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda, at Kok village in Barkin Ladi LGA while Manu Sale and Amir Shaba, a notorious robbery syndicate operating along road Barkin Ladi – Mangu in Barkin LGA were also arrested alongside an armed robbery gang leader, Mr Shaibu Abubakar at NTV village in Barkin Ladi LGA.

Similarly, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu a.k.a. Yellow, at the Amper checkpoint in Plateau State’s Kanam LGA while attempting to collect kidnapp ransom.

Among the items found from the suspects are a cutlass, a knife, two mobile phones, and local charms.

Troops from Bokkos LGA arrested two suspected cattle rustlers, Abdullahi Ibrahim and Muhammadu Ori at Gwandu village in Bokkos LGA while on mobile operations.

The troops also foiled a cattle rustling incident at Maiyanga village in Bassa LGA, rescued 145 cows and handed them over to the owners.

During the operation, troops recovered 3 rifles, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special, 9 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 3 axes.

Additionally, 57 cows were detained for grazing on farmlands at Rim village in Riyom LGA.