Police operatives in Taraba State have arrested nine suspected kidnappers and recovered an arsenal of weapons, including four AK-47 and three AK-49 rifles, along with 45 rounds of live ammunition.

The arrest, made on Saturday, was a joint operation by police in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes.

Police spokesperson ASP James Lashen disclosed in a statement that credible intelligence led to the successful operation.

The arrested suspects include Shehu Ibrahim (27) from Larai Gada, Ilorin; Abdullahi Haruna (28) from Angwan Karofi, Bauchi State; and Yusuf Bello from Birama Village in Donga LGA of Taraba State.\ Lashen said further investigations led to the arrest of six more notorious gang leaders linked to kidnapping activities across Taraba, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, and Gombe states.

They are: Sulaiman Mohammed (28) of Lariski Village, Gombe; Tijjani Bello (30) of Nasarawo Jalingo, Taraba; Muhammed Umar (25) of Sabo Gari Jalingo, Taraba; Adamu Ibrahim (22) of Mutum Daya, Karim Lamido LGA, Taraba; Solomon Nathaniel (32) of Logo, Benue; and Haruna Adamu (25) of Lushi Village, Lau LGA, Taraba.

Recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, four magazines, and 45 rounds of live ammunition.

ASP Lashen noted that the suspects have confessed to various crimes and are part of a wider network terrorizing the region.

Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel S. Bretet, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating criminal gangs and ensuring the security of lives and property across the state.