Troops Raid Bandits’ Hideouts in Taraba, Arrest Gunrunners
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have recorded major successes in counter-banditry operations in Taraba and Plateau states.
A statement from the Army on Sunday said the troops launched an offensive on March 22 at Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba and Wase LGA of Plateau.
During the operation, the troops engaged and dislodged armed bandits, recovering a motorcycle before advancing to another stronghold.
“At the second location, which had over 70 huts, the troops met resistance but overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower. Another motorcycle and an international passport belonging to one Muhammadu Dahiru, suspected to be linked to the syndicate, were recovered,” the statement said.
The troops later cleared the Dutsen Zaki high ground, neutralizing threats in the area.
Similarly, on March 16, troops raided the residence of two notorious gunrunners, Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu, also known as Arewa Mafia, in Mararraba Donga, Donga LGA.
Though the suspects escaped, security operatives recovered four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges.
In another operation on March 20, troops arrested a suspected gunrunner, Alhaji Mansur Mohammad, in Donga LGA.
“He was found in possession of ₦1.2 million, suspected to be for illegal arms procurement. Preliminary investigations linked the funds to sponsors in Bauchi State,” the statement added.
On the same day, troops apprehended a suspected bandit leader, Adamu Yakubu, also known as No Money No Guy.
He was reportedly linked to multiple kidnappings and violent crimes across Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue and southern Taraba. Security reports tied him and six associates to a deadly March 10 attack on Tse-Shiikaa village in Katsina-Ala, where two persons were killed and others injured.
Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their commitment.
He assured residents that the military would sustain its aggressive operations against criminal elements.
Uwa also urged the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing efforts to secure the region.
