In a major breakthrough against criminal elements, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dismantled a notorious bandit camp in Taraba State, seizing a large cache of weapons and forcing several outlaws to surrender.
The operation, which took place on February 2 in Angwan Bala, Kambari, within the Karim Lamido Local Government Area, was based on credible intelligence about the movement of armed bandits. According to a statement by the Brigade’s Acting Spokesperson, Captain Olubodunde Oni, the troops came under fire upon arrival at the hideout but swiftly retaliated, neutralizing one bandit while 23 others, including 19 men and four women, surrendered without resistance.
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A thorough search of the camp led to the seizure of four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an English-made pistol, two locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 48 daggers and jackknives, and 16 motorcycles. The army’s preliminary investigation revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had allegedly paid ₦1.5 million to a local chief in Amar village to secure land for their operations.
Reacting to the success of the mission, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements and maintaining security in Taraba State. He emphasized that the army would not allow the region to become a safe haven for terrorists and vowed to sustain the pressure on criminal networks.
“This operation is a clear message that we are committed to eliminating threats and restoring lasting peace in Taraba. We will continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of residents,” General Uwa stated.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation is crucial in the fight against banditry and terrorism.
