Special Operation:Troops Dismantle Bandit Hideouts, Recover Ammunition in Taraba.
By Christiana Babayo.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have carried out a major clearance operation across parts of Southern Taraba, dismantling multiple bandit hideouts and recovering ammunition.
This is as contained in a Press release signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 6 Brigade, Capt Olubodunde Ooni and made available to our Correspondent in Jalingo.
The two-day operation was conducted from June 19 to 20 by personnel of the newly established Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, led by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa.
According to the statement, “On 19 June 2025, troops advanced along the High Tension route through Chonku to Gor Road, sweeping through villages including Lortema, Gudu, Mbayenge, and Teyotima in Wukari LGA. Strategic areas such as river lines, high grounds, abandoned settlements, and known terrorist hideouts were thoroughly searched.
“At Teyotima village, credible intelligence indicated that the mother of a notorious criminal, ANGBA (FNU), popularly known as “YELLOW,” resides in the area. The suspect is believed to use the village as a safe haven. Troops cordoned off and searched the area, but no weapons or suspects were found.
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The statement added that, “Further operations extended to Ikayior village, known to be the home of another wanted criminal, AKIKI UTIV, alias “FULL FIRE.” Troops uncovered and dismantled a bandit camp within the village. A search of the premises led to the recovery of 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition loaded in an AK-47 magazine. The camp was subsequently destroyed to prevent its future use by criminal elements.
“On 20 June 2025, troops continued clearance operations through Chanchangi, Jam Kaanan, Hingir, Ukum, and Nbaume villages in Takum LGA without enemy contact. However, at Mande Atsager, identified as the hideout of wanted bandit leader VERIOR JOHN GATA, troops encountered hostile fire. The bandits, overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, fled into the surrounding forest, abandoning their camp”.
The Troops also discovered a shrine containing a human skull, suggesting the use of occult practices in support of criminal activities and a building with four in-built detention cells, suspected to have been used to hold kidnapped victims pending ransom payments.
The entire area was cleared, and the camp was destroyed according to the statement.
The Brigade Commander applauded the troops for their resilience and discipline during the operation while reiterating the Brigade’s determination to ensuring that all criminal networks operating in the state are dismantled.
Uwa commended the collaboration of local communities and urged them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the security agencies on time.
