Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have dismantled a notorious bandit hideout in Taraba State, neutralizing one bandit and recovering a cache of arms.
Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Jalingo. He said the operation was carried out on February 2 in Angwan Bala, Kambari general area of Karim Lamido Local Government Area, following credible intelligence on bandit movements.
“On sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from the troops,” Oni stated.
He further revealed that in the ensuing gunfight, one bandit was neutralized, while 23 others—including 19 males and four females—surrendered without further resistance.
A thorough search of the camp uncovered a stockpile of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, five magazines, and 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Other recovered items included an English-made pistol, two locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, and 48 daggers and jack knives.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had paid ₦1,500,000 to a local chief in Amar village to establish their camp.
Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring Taraba remains safe from criminal elements.
“This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminate criminal elements, restore lasting peace, and ensure that Taraba does not become a safe haven for terrorists,” he said.
Uwa urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in the fight against insecurity.
