By Daniel Ojukwu
Not fewer than two armed bandits have been killed, while one other suspect was arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army during a series of coordinated operations across Taraba State.
The operations were carried out by troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke after weeks of tracking criminal movements in the area.
The army, in a statement released by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, described the mission as a carefully planned operation targeted at destroying bandit hideouts and stopping their activities in Takum and Karim Lamido local government areas. According to the statement, the troops acted on credible intelligence that armed groups were regrouping within the Tor-Tser and Wudompi communities.
The operations, which took place between December 2 and December 4, led to gun battles, destruction of camps, recovery of weapons, and the arrest of a key suspect linked to earlier attacks in Taraba State. The army stated that the actions were necessary to deny the criminals freedom of movement.
On December 2, troops launched a deliberate clearance operation codenamed Operation Zafin Wuta, covering Shiid, Agia, and Tyozua villages in Takum LGA. The army said the bandits fled deeper into mountainous areas as soldiers approached, abandoning their camps in the process. The troops later searched and destroyed the hideouts.
A suspect identified as Dahiru Maigari was arrested during the operation and is currently undergoing investigation to determine his role in criminal activities within the area.
The army further reported that in Tyozua, fleeing bandits set fire to a wooden bridge in an attempt to block troop movement. However, the soldiers continued their advance and forced the criminals across the power-line corridor into neighbouring Benue State.
In another development on December 4, troops on a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido came under sudden attack from armed bandits concealed around Wudompi Community. The soldiers swiftly responded, engaging the attackers in an intense exchange of gunfire.
Two of the armed bandits were neutralised during the encounter, and a search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition. The army confirmed that no soldier was injured.
The attackers were assessed to be members of the Karimjo faction, a group believed to be responsible for several attempts at regrouping within the area in recent times.
Security officials stated that the situation in Karim Lamido is now calm, but troops remain on high alert to prevent further criminal activities or regrouping attempts.
Reacting to the successful operations, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism throughout the missions.
He said the operations clearly show that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army, and no criminal hideout is beyond reach. He assured residents that the brigade will sustain pressure until all threats to peace are eliminated.
General Uwa also called on community members to continue providing useful information, noting that collaboration between locals and security forces has played a major role in the recent breakthroughs.
The army reiterated its commitment to restoring peace across Taraba State and protecting communities from criminal groups seeking to destabilise the region.