Taraba Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover AK-47 in Gassol LGA

By Jako, August 14, 2025.

The Taraba State Police Command has recorded another major success in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes, arresting two suspected kidnappers and recovering a firearm in Gassol Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP James Lashen Saminu, the operation took place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m., following credible intelligence on the suspects’ activities.

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, working in conjunction with local hunters, raided a hideout at Mahadi Forest in Gassol LGA. The operation led to the arrest of 20-year-old Yahaya Umar from Gamu village and 47-year-old Mohammed Umar from Belango village in Karim LGA. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from their possession.

Police say the suspects have confessed to being members of a syndicate responsible for terrorizing communities in both Plateau and Taraba states.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, psc, mnips, commended the swift action of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and peace of Taraba State.

She also appealed to residents for sustained cooperation, especially in the area of timely and accurate information sharing, to help security agencies combat crime more effectively.

The case is currently under investigation.

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