Taraba state police command has arrested 49 suspected kidnappers in an offensive operation code-named “Operation Forest Storm” within the week across the state.
The offensive which was launched in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, including the military, according to the state police command, will continue till all criminal hideouts domiciled in the state are neutralised.
The State Commissioner of Police, Alkasim Sanusi accompanied by heads of other security agencies on Wednesday, paraded the suspects at the headquarters of the police command in Jalingo.
The police boss also noted that ‘Operation Forest Storm’ was carved out of ‘Operation Puff Adder’, which the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu launched across the country recently.
He explained that among the kidnap suspects arrested is one who wrote a letter to the proprietress of a popular school in the state to demand the sum of N20 million or risked being kidnapped.
He further explained that the joint team of security operatives engaged the suspects in gun duels during the operation but no life was lost.
He, however, said some of the kidnap suspects escaped with bullet wounds and were being trailed by security agencies.
Sanusi further urged members of the public to assist security agencies in the state with information to ensure that relative peace returns.
Among the items recovered from the suspects include motorcycles, riffles, bows and arrows, ammunition, charms among others.
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