Troops clear bandits’ hideouts in Taraba, recover arms, motorcycle

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have dislodged several bandits’ hideouts in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas of Taraba State.

The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa, was carried out following credible intelligence reports on the activities of armed groups in Tarhembe, Tornyi, TY Farm, and Kando communities in Takum, as well as parts of Ussa LGA where farmlands had recently been destroyed.

According to a statement on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Umar Muhammad, troops launched simultaneous clearance missions on October 5.

“Team A advanced into Tarhembe and Tornyi, where they encountered the bandits. The criminals fled into the forest after facing superior firepower.

“During the operation, troops recovered four rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one AK-47 magazine, and a motorcycle,” the statement read.

It added that “Team B conducted operations around Lissam in Ussa LGA, clearing multiple suspected bandits’ camps without resistance.”

Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing credible information to aid security efforts.

He said the operations had successfully disrupted criminal activities, denied bandits freedom of action, and reinforced public confidence in the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Taraba State.