The Nigerian Army, Wednesday, said it has arrested additional 41 members of late Terwase popularly known as Gana’s criminal gang, bringing the total of 119 key members of his group in the Army drag net.
Commander 4 special forces Doma, Nasarawa state Maj.Gen. Gadzama M Ali disclosed this in a press briefing at the force command in Doma local government area of Nasarawa state.
He said the chief priest who has been responsible for preparing charms for the gang using different human parts of kidnapped persons was also arrested.
“We also have one of the commanders popularly known as commandant,” he said.
He said additionally one of the commanders in charge of armed robbery called Torkuma also died under Special Forces siege while in hiding in a village at suburbs of Katsina Ala in Benue state.
Gen. Gadzama said before now, it was unfathomed for Gana’s name to be mentioned amongst the Tiv, Jukon or Kuteb for fear that under the direction of his chief priest will, the gang members would go after you.
“Today, I am pleased to inform you that, not only did the Special Forces snatch the chief priest but I am glad to tell you that the dreaded shrine has been razed to dust,” he said.
Meanwhile, 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers and gun-runners operating around the North Central, parts of North West and North East of the country were also being arrested.
Among the suspected notorious kidnappers’ kingpins Abdulkareem Sadiq and Momoh who were allegedly responsible for the killing of a DSS staff were captured during the operation along Okpele – Okene – Lokoja road in Kogi state.
He said the operation also led to the recovery of over 200 cows and killing of 18 bandits and their informants.
“Seven personnel of the Nigerian Army lost their lives during the operation,” Gadzama added.
The Army commander however, called on governors especially in the north central geopolitical zone to emulate governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state in giving them maximum support to fight criminal activities in the areas.
Items recovered from the suspects were two AK 47 rifle, cartridges, charms and N1.4million cash.
