Troops arrest female kidnapper attempting to collect N1.5m ransom

The troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected female kidnapper, Janet Igohia, while attempting to collect N1.5 million ransom for an abducted victim in Taraba State.

It was gathered that the 31-year-old suspected female kidnapper was arrested by the troops from the 93 Battalion under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Taraba State after picking up the ransom.

The Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, in a statement on Thursday, February 8, 2024, said the troops received information on January 25, 2024, from sources on the activities of terrorists 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 a.m., Janet Igohia age 31 was arrested after picking up the sum of N1.5 million only being ransom payment for an abducted victim,” Olubodunde stated.

He noted that Igohia revealed that she is presently married to a notorious criminal in Taraba State, Voryor Gata.

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He added: “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 five years ago.

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

Olubodunde further disclosed that the troops deployed to Mararaba Baissa in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State arrested two other suspected gunrunners in the area.

He noted that the arrested suspects were allegedly involved in extra-judicial killings and cattle rustling, adding that the sum of N664,000 which were proceeds from their illegal activities, and two Tecno mobile phones were recovered from them.

He listed the suspects to include Alhaji Adamu Damisa age 40 and 44-year-old Usman Isah.

Olubodunde said the suspects and the exhibits recovered from them would be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Olubodunde, who reiterated the commitment of the Brigade to ensuring the safety of citizens by dismantling all criminal networks operating in Taraba State, urged the residents 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.

The Star