Driver Escapes as Troops Arrest Vehicle Owner with AK-47 in Taraba

Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade in Jalingo, Taraba State, have arrested the owner of an abandoned vehicle where an AK-47 rifle was discovered.

Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, announced this in a statement on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

He noted that the suspect was apprehended on September 8, while the vehicle’s driver managed to escape into the bush.

“Troops intercepted a suspicious blue Toyota Yaris with registration number Taraba KLD 652 XA and found an AK-47 rifle and other incriminating items hidden in the vehicle,” Oni said. “The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes.”

“After a thorough investigation and intelligence gathering, troops tracked down and arrested Mallam Abubakar Adamu, the owner of the abandoned vehicle and a suspect in the local criminal activities.”

Oni added, “During interrogation, Adamu admitted to having sent the driver—who remains at large—to transport the weapon from Doruwa village to Wukari in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Mallam Abubakar was arrested in Mutum Biyu along with two mobile phones, and the union driver, Mallam Isah Ibrahim, who is also an accomplice.”

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, praised the troops for their dedication and resilience.

“This arrest highlights our commitment to maintaining peace and security in Taraba State and its surroundings,” Uwa said.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Taraba State for providing valuable intelligence that contributed to the operation’s success. Uwa urged the public to continue offering timely information to security agencies, emphasizing, “Our success relies on the cooperation and support of the good people of Taraba State.”