By Tola Gbadamosi
In a swift, intelligence-led operation, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled coordinated terrorist activities and apprehended two suspected terrorists in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The arrests, which occurred in separate operations on Wednesday, followed actionable intelligence provided by vigilant locals. According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wukari arrested 45-year-old Felix Myina, a native of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Preliminary investigations revealed Myina as a high-ranking member of a notorious kidnapping and banditry network linked to a wanted kingpin known as Mcianan, alias Yellow.
The syndicate is said to be responsible for terrorizing commuters and residents along the Jootar in Wukari axis.
In a related development, another suspect believed to be a member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), 26-year-old Abubakar Yusuf, was apprehended while allegedly conducting suspicious rituals at the Aku-Uka Palace Junction a site flagged as a potential ISWAP target.
Yusuf, a native of Borno State residing in Gassol LGA, was caught in the act of what military sources described as an attempt to “spiritually tie” the town for easy access by fellow terrorists. Items recovered from him include a dead chicken, nine unhatched rotten eggs, a bottle containing an unknown powdered substance, one animal horn, pieces of fresh meat, and a Tecno mobile phone.
Both suspects are currently in military custody and are reportedly providing valuable intelligence.
The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the alertness of troops and the cooperation of local residents. He urged the public to stay vigilant and continue sharing timely information to aid security operations.
“The Brigade remains committed to its mandate of protecting lives and ensuring the return of peace and stability across Taraba State,” he assured.