By Peter Dansu Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have continued to tighten the noose aro...
By Peter Dansu
Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have continued to tighten the noose around criminal elements in Taraba State with a series of successful operations that have led to the destruction of bandits camps the neutralisation of armed men and the arrest of a major suspect linked to attacks across the region.
The latest breakthroughs followed a deliberate clearance operation carried out on December 2 across Shiid Agia and Tyozua villages in Takum Local Government Area under Operation Zafin Wuta. Acting on credible intelligence about the presence of armed groups in the Tor Tser axis the troops advanced into the mountainous hideouts long believed by the criminals to be inaccessible. On sighting the soldiers the bandits fled deeper into the rough terrain abandoning their camps in panic.
The troops pushed on cleared the area and completely dismantled the camps. In Tyozua the fleeing bandits attempted to slow down the advancing soldiers by setting fire to a wooden bridge but the troops pressed forward and forced the criminals across the power line into neighbouring Benue State. One suspect identified as Dahiru Maigari was arrested and is currently being interrogated.
In another operation on December 4 troops on a fighting patrol in Karim Lamido and surrounding communities ran into an ambush as they advanced towards Usmanu. Armed bandits hiding behind the Wudompi community opened fire but the soldiers responded immediately and overpowered them neutralising two of the attackers. A search of the area led to the recovery of an AK 47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition. No soldier was injured. The attackers are believed to be members of the Karimjo faction which has been attempting to regroup in recent weeks.
Security sources say the Karim Lamido area remains stable with troops maintaining a high level of alertness to prevent any criminal resurgence.
The Commander of 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa praised the professionalism and courage displayed by the soldiers. He noted that the recent operations have once again shown that no terrain is too difficult for the Nigerian Army and no criminal hideout is out of reach. He assured residents of Taraba State that the Brigade is determined to sustain its pressure on criminal elements and pursue them wherever they run until peace is fully restored.
The Army Public Relations Officer for 6 Brigade Lieutenant Umar Muhammad reaffirmed the commitment of the troops to maintaining security across the state.
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