Army Arrests Female Kidnapper in Taraba

A suspected female kidnapper was apprehended by troops from the 93 Battalion under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Taraba as she was attempting to collect ransom for an abducted victim.

The suspect, Janet Igohia, 31, was said to be arrested after picking up N 1.5m.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, on Thursday.

Olubodunde said the troops received information on January 25, 2024, from sources on the activities of extremist groups and insurgents around Chanchanji and Sai communities on their plans to move to a drop zone where relatives of abducted victims were directed to drop ransom money.

“Based on this information, troops deployed at Chanchanji laid in wait at the suspected area and at about 10:00 am, Janet Igohia, 31, was arrested after picking up the sum of one million, five hundred thousand naira (N1,500,000.00) only being ransom payment for an abducted victim,” the statement read.

According to the statement, Igohia revealed that she was presently married to Voryor Gata, a notorious criminal.

“She is currently married to the leader of a violent extremist group in southern Taraba. According to her, she had previously been married to high profile criminals such as late Terkibi Gemaga AKA Mopol, a notorious kidnapper, who was killed by troops 5 years ago.

“She revealed that she also got married to late Gana Terwase another notorious criminal who was killed during Joint Special Force Operation 3 years ago.”

Additionally, Olubodunde said troops deployed at Mararaba Baissa community of Donga Local Government Area apprehended two other suspected gunrunners

They “were allegedly involved in extra-judicial killings and cattle rustling with the sum of 664,000 (Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand Naira) which were proceeds from their illegal activities and 2 Techno mobile phones. The criminals are: Alhaji Adamu Damisa age 40 and Usman Isah age 44.”

Olubodunde stated that the Brigade was committed to ensuring the safety of citizens by dismantling all criminal networks operating in Taraba State.

“Members of the public are urged to continue to support the military and other security agencies by giving credible and timely information on suspicious movements or activities of criminals within the state,” he stated.