Troops from Operation Lafiyan Jamaa, under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have killed a suspected bandit during a military operation aimed at restoring peace in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation followed the recent massacre of 57 villagers in Munga Community, within the same area.
On Monday, May 26, 2025, troops neutralised one of the suspected bandits and recovered arms and motorcycles during the mission.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Army’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, revealed that troops had encountered armed bandits during a fighting patrol in Kwanchi Village and immediately pursued them.
“During the pursuit, one of the troops’ motorcycles developed a fault and was left in the village to allow the operation to proceed. However, upon returning, the soldiers discovered the motorcycle had gone missing, prompting an immediate follow-up raid to recover it,” the statement explained.
During the search operation, the troops encountered three policemen and a civilian identified as Alhaji Munga, who was questioned on the spot. Further inquiry led to a phone call being made to one Alhaji Lamido, who was alleged to be in possession of the missing motorcycle.
“Alhaji Lamido claimed he was in Mutum Biyu, while the motorcycle had reportedly been taken to Kudeh Village near a riverbank,” the Army stated.
Troops promptly mobilised to the new location, where they came under sudden gunfire from armed bandits. The soldiers returned fire and engaged the assailants in a fierce exchange. The bandits eventually fled, abandoning their position.
Alhaji Munga is presently in military custody and is assisting with ongoing investigations and intelligence efforts.