Asuquo Cletus Felix
The Nigerian Army has denied collecting a 2 Million naira bribe from kidnappers in Taraba State in exchange for its ransom.
The denial is contained in a press release issued on Monday evening, titled “Troops Apprehend 6 Kidnappers, Decline 2 Million Naira Bribe in Taraba State”.
It noted that in a significant operation, which was conducted on 19 May 2024, the troops from 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) had successfully captured 6 suspected kidnappers in separate operations carried out within Taraba State.
The statement also said that Acting on a tip-off, the troops from the 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, stationed at Forward Operating Base Wukari, had carried out a well-planned raid in Chinkai Village of Wukari Local Government Area.
This raid, according to the statement, led to the apprehension of two individuals identified as Usman Gide Ali, aged 25 and Abdulrahaman Amadu, aged 28. The suspects have been on a wanted list of the security agencies for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Wukari and its surroundings.
“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 a 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 2 million Naira for their release. However, the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe, underscoring their dedication to justice and integrity. The suspects were also overheard stating that if money failed to secure their freedom, their associates would resort to armed means to rescue them from custody”.-The statement says.
Recently there have been growing concern of insecurity in Taraba State, which has led to loss of many lives and properties.
