Police arrest suspects over killing of three officers in Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of three police officers in Donga Local Government Area of the state.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, ASP Victor Mshelizah, in Jalingo.

According to the statement, the suspects, Suleman Abdullahi, 30, and Idris Kauri, 33, both from Akete Village in Donga Local Government Area, were apprehended following an investigation into the attack on policemen at Tse Kwe Tor Damisa in the Donga Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the officers were ambushed and killed by suspected militias, who also carted away their service rifles.

It added that the stolen firearms had been recovered, while the suspects are currently in custody and would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

“The Command has successfully tracked and arrested some of the suspects involved in the attack. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices who are still at large,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Morkwap Dongshal, had earlier visited the scene of the incident as part of an on-the-spot assessment of security challenges in Donga and Takum Local Government Areas.

The statement noted that since assuming duty, Dongshal intensified visibility policing across major towns and highways in the state to deter criminal activities and boost public confidence. *(See note 6)*

As part of efforts to address insecurity, he also conducted a security assessment of volatile areas and flashpoints in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas.

During his visit to Takum, Dongshal engaged with traditional rulers, community elders, youth leaders and other stakeholders in Kofai Ahmadu and Chanchanji communities to gather firsthand information and strengthen community-police collaboration.

The police said the engagement was aimed at fostering trust and improving intelligence gathering to achieve lasting peace in the affected areas.

In another breakthrough, operatives attached to the Zing Divisional Police Headquarters intercepted two suspects during a stop-and-search operation at Yonko.

The suspects, identified as Torme Terzugwe, 39, from Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, and Job David, 35, from Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State, were reportedly found in possession of 304 rounds of live ammunition.

“They were intercepted while riding an unregistered motorcycle en route to Ganye LGA of Adamawa State. Investigation is ongoing,” the statement added.

The command assured residents of its commitment to rid the state of criminal elements, stressing that it would continue to collaborate with community leaders and other stakeholders to enhance security.

It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and useful information.

The police reiterated their commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law in all operations.