'Primo' captured in Santander for logistical support to EMC of Iván Mordisco
Jhon Jairo Rivera Barragán, alias 'Primo', was detained in Girón after six months of investigation for purchasing military material for the dissidents.
'Primo' arrested in Girón after six months of investigation for logistical supply to dissidents
Jhon Jairo Rivera Barragán, known by the alias 'Primo', was captured on Saturday 26 September 2026 in Girón, Santander, accused of being part of a support network for the residual structure Martín Villa, linked to the Central Command Staff (EMC) of the FARC dissidents led by Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández, alias Iván Mordisco. According to infobae.com, the operation was the result of a six-month investigation that tracked the arrested man's movements from Bogotá to Santander.
Colonel Liberado Fabio Ojeda Eraso, director of the Gaula of the National Police, explained that an arrest warrant was outstanding against Rivera Barragán for criminal conspiracy and unlawful use of uniforms and insignia.
Purchase of military clothing in Bogotá and Bucaramanga
Authorities attribute to 'Primo' the acquisition of military clothing and other logistical items from stores in Bogotá and Bucaramanga. The material was subsequently sent to Arauca, where it was received by a relative of his identified as "Sneyder González", also known as "Machazo", accused of being a finance chief of the Guadalupe Salcedo Front 10.
As part of the evidence, authorities released a video in which "Machazo" explains the collection of a "war tax" from suppliers and requests the shipment of specific items. In the recording, the man identifies himself as a delegate of the commander of the eastern joint command block and instructs: "I need you to help me with the fifteen chest protectors you are going to make". The video also shows how those items should be used through an example for reference.
Simultaneous arrests in Arauca and Boyacá
Simultaneously with the operation in Girón, authorities reported the detention of alias 'Tirma' in Arauca. According to the official statement, the man worked in a mechanics shop to avoid raising suspicion and was responsible for the maintenance of vehicles and motorcycles used by the organisation, as well as transporting logistical material for the armed group.
In San Luis de Gaceno, Boyacá, alias 'Richar' was arrested. Investigators indicated that he remained in Bogotá for approximately four months to evade detection before moving to that department, where he worked as a construction foreman.
The operation involved the participation of the Elite Gaula of the National Police, the Air Force, the National Navy and the Office of the Attorney General. The three arrested individuals were handed over to the Office of the Attorney General to proceed with their judicial process, pending preliminary hearings.
Blow to the logistical capacity of the Martín Villa structure
Colonel Ojeda highlighted that the three arrests represent a direct impact on the acquisition, transport and distribution capabilities of elements for the residual Martín Villa structure. The arrests are part of President Abelardo de la Espriella's offensive against illegal armed groups as part of his security strategy, and the actions being carried out by the Armed Forces throughout the national territory.
The National Police recalled that citizens can report cases related to kidnapping and extortion through the Gaula's toll-free line 165.
Source: Google News CO — Bogotá