Troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have eliminated two bandits, dismantled hideouts, and detained a key suspect connected to criminal activities in Taraba State.
This was revealed in a Thursday statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad.
The statement noted that on December 2, troops carried out a targeted clearance mission, code-named Operation Zafin Wuta, across Shiid, Agia, and Tyozua villages in Takum Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence about armed elements operating within the Tor-Tser area, the operation led to the arrest of a suspect, Dahiru Maigari.
“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,” the army reported.
In another operation on December 4, troops reportedly carried out a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido and nearby areas to deny bandits room to operate.
The statement added, “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 conditions in Karim Lamido remain stable, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance after the encounter, according to the report.
Responding to the operational achievements, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, was said to have praised the professionalism and bravery shown by the soldiers.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Earlier reports noted that troops, in similar missions, had killed dozens of terrorists, detained 57 suspects, and rescued 45 kidnapped victims nationwide within a week.
In early November, Nigerian Army personnel were also reported to have arrested 94 suspects and freed 67 kidnapped victims during two weeks of operations.
