Troops arrest ‘kidnap kingpin’ in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested Kobo Ishor, an alleged kidnap kingpin, in Zaki Biam area of Benue state.

John Enenche, coordinator, defence media operations, who disclosed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, said Ishor is under interrogation and will be handed over to the police for prosecution.

Enenche said four militiamen at Rafin Kada in Wukari local government area and Yojaa in Donga local government area of Taraba were also killed.

He said troops at Gbise in Katsina-Ala local government area in Benue and sector 4 in Taraba conducted a joint commando raid operation in the areas in the early hours of Monday.

He said the troops, who acted under operation accord, came in contact with the suspected militias at Che Jukun village, and that many other criminal elements were wounded during the encounter.

According to him, items recovered include two locally-made rifles, 55 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 117 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three mobile phones, three AK47 magazines, and two motorcycles.

“Also recovered include one military shirt uniform, one Peace Corps ID Card belonging to one Mr Anyor Fidelis and some charms,” he said.

“In another development, troops responded to a distress call from Zaki Biam on the activities of a notorious kidnap kingpin by name Kobo Ishor (aka Lesser) an associate of late Orjondu.

“He was apprehended and currently undergoing interrogation, to be handed over to the Nigerian Police afterward for prosecution.

“The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria congratulates the gallant troops of Operation Whirl Stroke for their dexterity and professionalism.

“It encouraged them to remain resolute in curtailing the activities of criminals in the North Central Zone of the Country.”