The Nigerian Army has arrested two suspected terrorists in Rafin Kada, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Spokesman for the army's 6 Brigade and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Oni Olubodunde, disclosed this in a statement issued in Jalingo, the state capital, on Sunday evening.
Lt. Olubodunde said the two suspects were arrested on July 11 and two motorcycles they were using for their operations were recovered from them.
“The operation, carried out by troops deployed at Akate in Donga Local Government Area, followed intelligence reports that revealed an attack on Geshi village by armed terrorists.
“Acting on this information, the troops quickly mobilized to the area and engaged the gunmen in a fierce exchange of fire, eventually overpowering the terrorists with superior firepower and subduing them, forcing the criminals to flee in disarray into the forest with gunshot wounds.
“The troops continued to investigate the case by pursuing the miscreants and arrested two known terrorists with their motorcycles. The captured terrorists are currently in custody for questioning.”
Brigade Commander Kingsley Uwa commended the troops for their bravery, quick response and dedication to duty.
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“This operation is a testimony to the unwavering commitment of our troops to ensure that the state is free from kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality in our society,” he said.
Mr. Uwa said the brigade would intensify efforts to rid Taraba State of criminal elements.
Lt. Olubodunde also revealed that the troops found a missing nine-year-old girl while on routine patrol in Jalingo metropolis.
He said the girl was found wandering around in her school uniform at Gongomaliki in Yorro LGA of the state.
“The preliminary investigation to determine the name of her school and the location of her parents or guardians proved fruitless. Consequently, she was immediately transferred to the Brigade headquarters for safekeeping and to ensure the location of her parents.
“It was eventually discovered that she was a pupil of Glory Children’s Academy. Troops proceeded to the school and met with the headmaster who informed the troops that they had been searching for her for about 24 hours and had reported the case to the Jalingo Police Division. The pupil was later reunited with her parents,” Olubodunde said.