Taraba Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Reject ₦8.5m Bribe

A team of Mobile Police Officers from the 40 Police Mobile Force in Jalingo refused a bribe of ₦8.555 million offered by a suspected kidnapper.

The Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, revealed this while parading various suspected criminals.

He stated that the suspected kidnapper was apprehended on Monday around 9:45 p.m. in a Toyota Starlet with the registration number YLA 321 ZY on the Jalingo-Yola bypass road.

“He could not provide a satisfactory account of himself upon interrogation. Consequently, a search of his vehicle led to the discovery of the following items in his possession: eight million, five hundred and fifty-five thousand Naira (N8,555,000), seven phones, three thousand unused MTN recharge cards, and four amulets,” Eribo said.

“The suspect attempted to bribe the PMF personnel, offering them the entire sum to release him. However, the PMF personnel rejected the bribe and arrested him. The case is currently under investigation, and the suspect will soon be charged to court,” he added.

In a related development, troops from the 144 Battalion (Rear) of the 6 Brigade in Jalingo engaged in a firefight with bandits who had kidnapped three individuals in the state capital.

Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 6 Brigade, Lt. Olubodunde Oni, stated that the confrontation occurred while the bandits were en route to Yorro.

“Acting on intelligence about the bandits’ movement from Ardo-Kola to Yorro with their captives, troops stationed in Apawa village of Yorro Local Government Area quickly mobilized to the location and pursued the armed group,” Oni explained.

“The troops demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, overpowering the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their three abductees.”

He confirmed that the rescued individuals had been safely reunited with their families, and the pursuit of the kidnappers continues.