Taraba Police Arrest Two Suspects Over Killing of Three Officers

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. The suspects were identified as Suleman Abdullahi, 30, and Idris Kauri, 33, both from Akete Village in Donga Local Government Area.

According to the police, the officers were ambushed and killed by suspected militias, who also carted away their service rifles. The statement added that the stolen firearms had since been recovered, while the suspects are currently in custody and will 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, the Commissioner has intensified visibility policing across major towns and highways in the state to deter criminal activities and boost public confidence. He also conducted a security assessment of volatile areas and flashpoints in Takum and Donga.

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 another breakthrough, operatives attached to the Zing Divisional Police Headquarters intercepted two suspects during a stop-and-search operation at Yonko. The suspects – Torme Terzugwe, 39, from Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, and Job David, 35, from Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State were 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 the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information, while reiterating its commitment to professionalism, human rights, and the rule of law.