Police arrest suspects over k!lling of three officers in Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command has tracked and arrested suspected k!llers of its personnel in Tse Kwe, Tor Damisa area of Donga LGA. The commands acting Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, who disclosed in a statement said a team of police officers was ambushed by militias last month, leading to the tragic k!lling of the three officers, CPL Raphael Danjuma, PC Ebenezer Daniel and PC Samuel Bawa. According to the PPRO, the suspects, Suleman Abdullahi, and Idris Kauri, are currently in police custody and will be charged to court accordingly. He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices who are still at large. The PPRO also stated that three service firearms that were taken from the deceased officers have been recovered from the suspects. "The Taraba State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public on recent developments regarding the security situation in the state and the operational achievements recorded by the Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Morkwap S. Dongshal psc(+), the statement read. "Upon assumption of duty, the Commissioner of Police immediately intensified visibility policing across major towns and highways within the state. This proactive measure is aimed at deterring criminal activities and ensuring that residents go about their lawful businesses without fear. "As part of efforts to assess the security situation firsthand, the Commissioner of Police embarked on an on-the-spot security assessment of volatile areas and flashpoints in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas. "During the visit to Takum LGA, the CP was received by police formations in the area and subsequently proceeded to Kofai Ahmadu and Chanchanji, where he engaged with key security stakeholders including traditional rulers, community elders, youth leaders, and other critical members of the community. "The engagement was aimed at obtaining firsthand information on the security challenges in the area and strengthening the partnership between the police and the community in order to achieve lasting peace. "Following the assessment in Takum LGA, the Commissioner of Police proceeded to Donga LGA, where he visited Tse Kwe Tor Damisa, the location where a team of police officers was ambushed by militias, leading to the tragic k!lling of three officers and the carting away of their service rifles. "In a major breakthrough, the Command has successfully tracked and arrested some of the suspects involved in the attack. The suspects include: Suleman Abdullahi, 30 years and Idris Kauri, 33 years. "Both suspects are from Akente Village, Donga LGA. "The Command has also recovered all three stolen service firearms. "The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court accordingly, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices who are still at large. "In another development, a team of police officers attached to the Zing Divisional Police Headquarters, while conducting stop-and-search operations at Yonko, intercepted two suspects identified as: Torme Terzugwe, 39 years, of Kwande LGA, Benue StateJob David, 35 years, of Toungo LGA, Adamawa State. "The suspects were intercepted while riding an unregistered motorcycle en route to Ganye LGA, Adamawa State. "Upon thorough search, 304 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from their possession. Investigation into the matter is currently ongoing. "The Commissioner of Police wishes to assure the good people of Taraba State that the Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements. "The Command will continue to strengthen collaboration with community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in enhancing community policing and intelligence gathering. "Members of the public are also urged to remain vigilant and support the efforts of security agencies by providing timely and useful information. "The Command reiterates its watchword: If you see something, say something. "The Taraba State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law in all its operations, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc, NPM. The Command appreciates members of the press and the general public for their continued support and cooperation in maintaining peace and security across the state.