TROOPS of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully thwarted a planned terrorist attack and arrested two suspected insurgents during separate operations in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to a statement from the 6 Brigade Public Relations Officer, Captain Olubodunde Oni, the first arrest was made at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, where troops apprehended 45-year-old Felix Myina, a native of Ukum LGA in Benue State.
Myina is believed to be a top-ranking member of a notorious bandit and kidnapping network led by a wanted kingpin known as Mcianan, also called Yellow.
The group is reportedly responsible for numerous attacks on motorists and residents along the Jootar–Wukari corridor. A Tecno mobile phone was recovered from him during the arrest.
In a separate operation, troops acting on intelligence reports arrested another suspect, 26-year-old Abubakar Yusuf, a Borno State native residing in Gassol LGA. Yusuf, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), was caught performing strange rituals at the Aku-Uka Palace Junction — a location previously identified as a potential ISWAP target.
Reports suggest he was attempting to “spiritually bind” the town to ease access for future attacks. Items found in his possession included a dead chicken, nine rotten eggs, an animal horn, and a bottle containing powdered substances mixed with pieces of raw meat.
Both suspects are currently in custody and assisting security operatives with investigations.
Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the swift response of the troops and the alertness of local residents who provided crucial intelligence.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity to aid the military in maintaining peace and order.
“The Brigade is fully committed to safeguarding lives and restoring peace and stability in Taraba and its surrounding communities,” Uwa stated.