Driver flees as troops arrest owner of vehicle containing AK-47 rifle in Taraba

Troops of the Nigerian Army's 6 Brigade in Jalingo, Taraba State, have arrested the owner of an abandoned vehicle in which an AK-47 rifle was found.

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

He said the suspect was apprehended on September 8, adding that the driver of the vehicle fled into the bush.

"Troops had intercepted a suspicious Blue Toyota Yaris vehicle with Registration Number, Taraba KLD 652 XA, and discovered an AK-47 rifle and other incriminating items hidden in the vehicle compartment where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes," Oni said.

"Following 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 criminal activities in the area.

"During interrogation, Adamu confessed to having sent the driver who is still at large to convey the weapon from Doruwa village to Wukari in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Mallam Abubakar was arrested in Mutum Biyu with 2 mobile phones alongside the union driver Mallam Isah Ibrahim who is also an accomplice."

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

"This arrest is a testament to our commitment to maintaining peace and security in Taraba State and its environs," he said.

He also thanked the good people of the state for assisting the Brigade with credible intelligence that led to the success of the operation.

Uwa further urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies, adding that "our success depends on the cooperation and support of the good people of Taraba State.