Troops Dislodge Bandits’ Hideouts, Recover Ammunition and Motorcycle in Taraba

Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army / Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have continued their aggressive push against criminal elements in Taraba State under the ongoing Operation LAFIYA NAKOWA, successfully clearing several bandits’ hideouts in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas of the state.

According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Umar Muhammad, the clearance operations were launched following credible intelligence on the activities of bandits around Tarhembe, Tornyi, TY Farm, and Kando in Tati, Takum LGA, as well as reports of the destruction of farmlands in Ussa LGA.

On 5 October 2025, troops simultaneously advanced into the identified areas. Team A, which operated within Tarhembe and Tornyi, made contact with the bandits and engaged them in a gun duel. The criminals were forced to flee into the forest by the troops’ superior firepower. Items recovered during the operation include:

4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 AK-47 magazine and 1 motorcycle.

Meanwhile, Team B conducted clearance operations within Lissam in Ussa LGA, traversing through Kutukok, Konkan, Fank Utaih, Kijwu, Kutukwo, Kwesati, and Alaha communities. Though no contact was made with the criminals, several suspected hideouts and camps were destroyed to deny the bandits freedom of action.

The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience. He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

General Uwa further assured that the sustained clearance missions have significantly disrupted bandit activities, curtailed their movement, and reinforced the Army’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across Taraba State.