Army Dislodges Bandits in Taraba Forests Under Operation Lafiya Nakowa
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded another operational success in Taraba State after dislodging bandits’ hideouts and recovering arms, ammunition, and a motorcycle during a coordinated clearance operation under Operation Lafiya Nakowa.
The latest offensive, conducted on Sunday, followed credible intelligence reports on the movement and activities of armed bandits terrorising communities and destroying farmlands around Tarhembe, Tornyi, TY Farm, and Kando areas in Takum Local Government Area, as well as parts of Ussa LGA.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, troops launched simultaneous raids on identified enclaves where they engaged the criminals in a brief firefight. The superior firepower of the soldiers forced the bandits to abandon their positions and flee into the forest.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK-47 magazine, and a motorcycle, which were believed to have been used by the fleeing criminals.
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In a separate operation, another team of troops conducted clearance patrols around Lissam in Ussa Local Government Area, combing through communities such as Kutukok, Konkan, Fank Utaih, Kijwu, Kutukwo, Kwesati, and Alaha. Although no resistance was encountered, several suspected bandit camps were destroyed to deny the criminals safe havens.
Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their courage, discipline, and resilience throughout the operation. He emphasized that the continued offensive has disrupted the activities of criminal elements and reaffirmed the Army’s determination to ensure lasting peace in Taraba and its neighbouring states.
“Our troops have continued to demonstrate gallantry in the face of emerging threats. These operations are aimed at restoring confidence among residents and ensuring that criminal elements have no place to hide within our areas of responsibility,” General Uwa stated.
The Army further urged residents to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements within their communities, assuring that such collaboration would strengthen the military’s efforts in restoring peace and stability across the state.
PRNigeria reports that operation Lafiya Nakowa forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader counter-banditry efforts across the North Central corridor, targeting criminal networks and flashpoints that have threatened the security of farming and border communities in recent months.
By PRNigeria
