Taraba Police Crack Militia Link in Officers' Murder, Recover Stolen Rifles
The Taraba State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in combating violent crime with the arrest of key suspects connected to the brutal killing of three police officers in Tor Damisa village, Donga Local Government Area. Commissioner of Police Morkwap S. Dongshal announced this development on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command headquarters in Jalingo, highlighting the arrests as a critical step in dismantling the network responsible for the deadly ambush.
Arrests and Recovery of Stolen Weapons
According to Commissioner Dongshal, two suspects—Suleman Abdullahi, aged 30, and Idris Kauri, aged 33, both natives of Akente village in Donga LGA—have been apprehended and are currently in police custody. The arrests follow a deadly ambush allegedly carried out by suspected militia members, during which the officers were killed and their service rifles stolen. In what authorities described as a major operational success, the police confirmed the recovery of all three rifles taken during the incident, underscoring the effectiveness of their investigative efforts.
Investigations are ongoing, with security operatives intensifying efforts to track down other accomplices who remain at large. The Commissioner emphasized that this arrest marks a pivotal moment in the fight against violent crime in the region, aiming to bring all perpetrators to justice and restore order.
Separate Operation Leads to Ammunition Seizure
In a separate operation, officers attached to the Zing Divisional Police Headquarters intercepted two additional suspects during a routine stop-and-search exercise at Yonko. The suspects, identified as Torme Terzugwe, 39, from Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, and Job David, 35, from Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State, were traveling on an unregistered motorcycle en route to Ganye when they were stopped.
A search conducted on them led to the discovery of 304 rounds of live cartridges. Police authorities stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intended use of the ammunition, raising concerns about potential links to broader criminal activities in the area.
Commitment to Peace and Community Collaboration
Reaffirming the Command's commitment to restoring peace and security across Taraba State, Commissioner Dongshal urged residents to strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies. He stressed that community support remains vital for intelligence gathering and crime prevention, noting that public cooperation can significantly enhance police effectiveness in tackling security challenges.
The Command also reiterated its dedication to professionalism and respect for human rights, aligning with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police. Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, with the police reinforcing their message: "If you see something, say something." This call to action aims to foster a proactive approach to security, ensuring that communities play an active role in safeguarding their environments.
As investigations continue, the Taraba State Police Command remains focused on dismantling criminal networks and preventing future incidents, with these recent arrests serving as a testament to their ongoing efforts in maintaining law and order.
