Troops arrest woman while ‘collecting ransom for terrorists’ in Taraba

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a 31-year-old woman, Janet Igohia, while picking up a ransom of N5 million for terrorists in Taraba state.

In a statement on Thursday, Oni Olubodunde, acting assistant director of 6 brigade army public relations, said the suspect was apprehended at Chanchanji community.

Olubodunde said the troops who acted on credible intelligence waited for the woman who claimed she had been married to some notorious criminals.

“On 25 January 2024, information was received from own sources on the activities of extremist groups and Insurgents around Chanchanji and Sai communities on their plans to move to a drop zone where relatives of abducted victims were directed to drop ransom money,” the statement reads.

“Based on this information, troops deployed at Chanchanji laid in wait at the suspected area and at about 10:00 am, Janet  Igohia age 31 was arrested after picking up the sum of one million, five hundred thousand naira (N1,500,000.00) only being ransom payment for an abducted victim.

“Janet Igohia revealed that she is presently married to Voryor Gata a notorious criminal and former second in command to late Gana Terwase. She is currently married to the leader of a violent extremist group in southern Taraba.

“According to her, she had previously been married to high profile criminals such as late Terkibi Gemaga AKA Mopol a notorious kidnapper who was killed by troops 5 years ago.

“She revealed that she also got married to late Gana Terwase another notorious criminal who was killed during Joint Special Force Operation 3 years ago.”

In another development, Olubodunde said troops also arrested two suspected gunrunners involved in the killing of residents and cattle rustling in the Mararaba Baissa community of Donga LGA.

The brigade spokesperson said N664,000 and two Techno mobile phones were recovered from the suspects.

He added that the military is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens, and urged members of the public to share information on the activities of criminals in the state.