TROOPS DISLODGE TERRORISTS, RECOVER 91 RUSTLED CATTLE IN SOUTHERN TARABA.
By Christiana Babayo
Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified clearance operations in Southern Taraba, dislodging armed terrorists and recovering 91 rustled cattle in a renewed push to secure farming communities.
According to the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Lt Mohammed Umar, the operations, conducted between 24 and 25 November across Akesha, Zambana Forest, and Ayu Village in Takum and Donga LGAs, targeted suspected armed herdsmen and criminal groups linked to persistent attacks, farm destruction, and displacement of residents.
The Brigade noted that at Akesha village, the soldiers recovered 91 cattle abandoned by fleeing rustlers while grazing on farmlands. The animals were secured to prevent further damage and to weaken the criminals’ support base.
On 25 November, troops made contact with terrorists around Zambana Forest and Ayu Village and engaged them with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon their positions. Military authorities say the operation significantly degraded the criminals’ operational capability.
The clearance exercise also created a safe window for displaced farmers to evacuate their harvested crops—an activity previously hindered by the threat of attacks.
Addressing troops and community members, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, vowed that the momentum of Operation Zafin Wuta would be sustained, particularly as the year-end approaches.
He directed all claimants of the recovered cattle to report to 93 Battalion in Takum for proper identification, stressing that no livestock would be released without compensation to affected farmers whose farmlands were destroyed.
General Uwa condemned the recurring violence linked to marauding herders and warned those migrating into Taraba from neighbouring states to report to traditional rulers and local authorities before settling in any community.
He reaffirmed that Operation Zafin Wuta remains focused on dismantling criminal networks, securing agrarian communities, restoring law and order, and ensuring livestock activities do not threaten food security in Southern Taraba.
The Nigerian Army urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations and reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, property, and peace across the state.
