Troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have sustained their intensified offensive across Taraba State, recording multiple breakthroughs including the destruction of several bandits’ camps, neutralisation of armed elements, recovery of weapons, and the arrest of a key suspect.
The operations, conducted under Operation Zafin Wuta, targeted criminal hideouts across Shiid, Agia and Tyozua villages in Takum Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the activities of armed groups operating within the Tor-Tser axis.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Umar Muhammad, the troops launched the clearance operation on Dec. 2, pushing deep into mountainous enclaves where the bandits had been operating. On sighting the advancing soldiers, the criminals reportedly fled further into the rugged terrain, abandoning their makeshift camps.
The statement added that the troops conducted a thorough search before destroying the camps, which the criminals had previously boasted were impenetrable to security forces. At Tyozua, the fleeing bandits attempted to stall troop movement by setting ablaze a wooden bridge, but the soldiers pressed forward and pursued the suspects across the power line into neighbouring Benue State.
During the exploitation phase, the troops arrested a suspect, identified as Dahiru Maigari, who is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
In a separate operation on Dec. 4, troops on a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido and adjoining communities came under fire from armed bandits concealed behind the Wudompi community. The soldiers swiftly returned fire, neutralising two of the attackers. A subsequent search led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition. No troop casualties were recorded.
The attackers were believed to be members of the Karimjo faction recently attempting to regroup in the area. Normalcy has since been restored in Karim Lamido, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance.
Reacting to the sustained successes, the Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the professionalism and gallantry of the troops. He said the operations affirmed that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army and no criminal hideout is beyond reach.
He assured residents that the Brigade remained committed to pursuing criminal elements wherever they flee and will sustain pressure until all threats to peace and security in Taraba are eliminated.
Edited by NAN Desk.
