Taraba: Troops dislodge bandits recover arms, motorcycle

Several bandits’ hideouts in Takum and Ussa local government councils of Taraba State have been destroyed by troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).

The development was made public by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad, in a statement issued to journalists on Monday.

Muhammad said the operation was was part of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa.

The public relations officer disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence on bandits’ activities in Tarhembe, Tornyi, TY Farm, Kando in Takum, and areas in Ussa LGA where farmland had been destroyed.

He said on October 5, troops launched simultaneous clearance operations in the affected areas.

“Team A advanced into Tarhembe and Tornyi, where they made contact with bandits. The troops’ superior firepower forced the criminals to flee into the forest. During exploitation, troops recovered four rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one AK-47 magazine, and one motorcycle.

“Team B carried out operations within Lissam in Ussa LGA, clearing several suspected bandits’ camps without resistance,” the statement said.

Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade, commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism.

He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to help security agencies restore peace in the state.

He also said the operations had disrupted criminal activities, denied bandits freedom of action, and reassured local communities of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property.