Taraba: One killed, 23 arrested as troops raid bandit camp

By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), on Sunday, killed one bandit and arrested 23 others in Karim Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement issued in Jalingo on Monday.

Oni said that the troops also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during the operation.

“In a decisive operation against criminal elements, troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), successfully cracked down on a notorious bandit camp on 2 February 2025 in Angwan Bala, Kambari general area of Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State.

“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits, the gallant troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout. On sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from the troops. In the ensuing firefight, one bandit was neutralised, while 23 others, including 19 males and 4 females, surrendered without further resistance.

“A comprehensive search of the camp led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including 4 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 rifle magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 English-made pistol, 2 locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, and 48 daggers and jack-knives.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had paid a local chief in Amar village the sum of ₦1,500,000 to acquire and establish their camp in the area.”

Speaking on the successful operation, the Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to the security and stability of Taraba State and its environs.

“This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminate criminal elements, restore lasting peace, and ensure that Taraba State does not become a safe haven for terrorists. We will continue to work tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to sustain the fight against insecurity,” the statement read.