Troops destroy Bandits’ hideouts, recover weapons in Taraba

Troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed several bandits’ camps, neutralised armed elements, and recovered weapons during coordinated operations in Taraba State.

The operations also led to the arrest of a key suspect said to be linked to criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba.

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, in a statement on Thursday said the troops launched a clearance operation on December 2, 2025, under Operation Zafin Wuta across Shiid, Agia, and Tyozua villages in Takum Local Government Area.

He said the exercise followed credible intelligence on the presence and activities of armed groups in the Tor-Tser general area.

According to him, as troops advanced toward the mountainous hideouts, the bandits fled deeper into the rugged terrain, abandoning their camps.

The soldiers later conducted a detailed search before destroying the sites, which the criminals had previously considered inaccessible to security forces.

“In Tyozua, the fleeing bandits set ablaze a wooden bridge in an attempt to obstruct troop movement, but the soldiers pressed forward with determination and forced the criminals across the power line into neighbouring Benue State,” Lt. Mohammed said.

He disclosed that one suspect, identified as Dahiru Maigari, was arrested during the operation and is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

In a related development, troops on December 4 carried out a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido and its environs to deny criminal elements freedom of movement. While advancing toward Usmanu, the patrol came under fire from armed men concealed behind Wudompi community.

Lt. Mohammed said the troops responded immediately, repelling the attack and neutralising two of the assailants. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition.

He added that no casualties were recorded on the part of the troops, noting that the attackers are believed to be members of the Karimjo faction suspected of attempting to regroup in the area. Security within Karim Lamido remains stable, with troops maintaining heightened alertness.

Reacting to the operational achievements, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the professionalism and gallantry of the troops, stating that the operations demonstrated that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army and no criminal enclave is beyond reach.

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