Troops overrun bandits, destroy camps in Taraba

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has intensified its ongoing offensive against criminal groups in Taraba State, recording significant breakthroughs that include the destruction of bandits’ camps, neutralisation of armed elements, recovery of weapons, and the arrest of a major suspect.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Brigade said troops conducted a series of coordinated operations between 2 and 4 December 2025 across Takum and Karim Lamido local government areas.

According to the Army, troops on 2 December launched a clearance operation under Operation Zafin Wuta in Shiid, Agia and Tyozua villages of Takum LGA, following actionable intelligence on the presence of armed groups in the Tor-Tser axis.

As troops advanced into the mountainous hideouts, the bandits reportedly fled deeper into the terrain, abandoning their camps.

The soldiers destroyed the camps after a thorough search.

During the operation, fleeing criminals set ablaze a wooden bridge in Tyozua in an attempt to slow down troop movement.

Despite this, the troops pushed forward and forced the bandits across the power line into neighbouring Benue State.

One suspect, identified as Dahiru Maigari, was arrested during exploitation and is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

In a separate operation on 4 December, troops on a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido town came under fire from armed men hiding behind Wudompi community.

The soldiers swiftly returned fire, killing two of the attackers.

A follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition. No casualties were recorded among the troops.

The attackers are believed to be members of the Karimjo faction involved in recent regrouping attempts in the area.

The Army said normalcy has since been restored in Karim Lamido, with troops maintaining heightened surveillance.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their professionalism and bravery.

He said the series of successful operations demonstrate that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army.

He assured residents of Taraba State that the Brigade remains fully committed to pursuing criminal elements wherever they attempt to hide and sustaining pressure until peace is fully restored.