Troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralised two bandits, destroyed criminal hideouts, and arrested a key suspect linked to violent activities in Taraba State.

This was revealed in a statement on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad.

According to the statement, the operation, code-named Operation Zafin Wuta, was launched on December 2 across Shiid, Agia, and Tyozua villages in Takum Local Government Area.

The clearance mission followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of armed groups operating in the Tor-Tser general area.

During the operation, troops apprehended one Dahiru Maigari, who is reportedly linked to several criminal activities in the region.

The statement reads, “As the soldiers advanced towards the mountainous hideouts, the bandits fled deeper into the rugged terrain, abandoning their camps. The troops conducted a detailed search before destroying the camps, which the criminals had previously claimed were 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.

“During exploitation, one suspect, identified as Dahiru Maigari, was arrested and is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.”

In a related development on December 4, troops were said to have conducted a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido and its environs aimed at denying bandits freedom of movement.

The statement read, “While moving towards Usmanu, the patrol came under fire from armed bandits concealed behind Wudompi Community.

“The soldiers responded swiftly, repelling the attack and neutralising two of the armed men. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition, with no casualties recorded on the part of own troops.

“The attackers are assessed to be members of the Karimjo faction responsible for recent attempts at regrouping within the area.”

Security within Karim Lamido remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened alertness following the encounter, the army reported.

Reacting to the operational successes, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, was reported to have commended the professionalism and gallantry displayed by the troops.

The statement added, “He stated that the series of operations once again demonstrates that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army and no criminal enclave is beyond reach.

“He assured residents across Taraba State that the Brigade remains unwavering in its resolve to pursue criminals wherever they may flee and to sustain pressure until all threats to peace.”

See photos from the operation below:

Soldiers kill two bandits, arrest one during operations in Taraba. Credit: Nigerian Army

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