In a daring and meticulously executed raid, Vanguard Newspaper has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that the operatives of the Taraba State Police Command stormed a notorious kidnappers’ hideout deep within Zambana Forest, rescuing seven hostages after an intense standoff with the criminals. The audacious operation, which unfolded on January 30, 2025, was spearheaded by the Mararraba Donga Division in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes, following a well-coordinated intelligence-led strategy.
According to SP Abdullahi Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence pinpointing the exact location of the kidnappers.
“Upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mararraba Donga swiftly mobilized a tactical team alongside our local security allies. As they advanced into the forest, the kidnappers, sensing defeat, opened fire but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of our operatives. The criminals abandoned their captives and fled into the dense wilderness,” he stated.
The seven rescued hostages were identified as follows:
Lookman Adamu Abdullahi (27), Abdulmalik Sani (24), and Salisu Musa (32) – all from Jalingo LGA.
Hussaini Musa (35) and Yusuf Musa (21) – residents of Bissula Village, Kurmi LGA.
Rimamshong Sunday (42) – a native of Lissam, Ussa LGA.
Second Operation Yields More Success
Barely 24 hours after the Zambana Forest raid, the police launched another decisive strike. On January 31, a special tactical unit led by ASP Nuhu Barde stormed a criminal hideout near the Taraba-Plateau border, forcing the kidnappers to abandon yet another hostage.
The victim, identified as Lamido Sarkin Fulani, had been found bound and left for dead by the fleeing criminals. He was immediately rescued and taken to Andami Primary Healthcare Centre for medical evaluation.
Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Ukachi P. Opara, lauded the resilience and bravery displayed by the operatives, hunters, and vigilantes. He reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and criminal activities in the state.
“This operation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that Taraba remains unsafe for criminals. We urge residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to continue providing actionable intelligence that can help in bringing these fugitives to justice,” CP Opara emphasized.
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified manhunts for the fleeing kidnappers, with assurances that no stone will be left unturned in tracking them down.
PIONEER NEWS 