Troops Foil Bandit Raid in Taraba, Recover 1,000 Stolen Cattle
In a decisive counter-operation against rural banditry, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade under Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with personnel from Operation SAFE HAVEN, neutralized two armed bandits and recovered nearly 1,000 rustled cattle in Taraba State.
According to a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operation followed a swift military response to credible intelligence about bandits mounted on 30 motorcycles who had crossed from Plateau State into Taraba.
The attackers, targeting a Fulani settlement near Jebjeb village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, launched a major cattle rustling operation late Wednesday night. However, the coordinated reaction of troops from both operations, deployed in the Kampani area of Wase LGA and parts of Karim Lamido, quickly mobilized and pursued the bandits to Komodoro village.
The armed criminals attempted to flee across the river boundary into Daji Madam Forest in Plateau State but were intercepted and engaged in a fierce gun duel. Two of the assailants were gunned down, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
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In the aftermath, soldiers successfully recovered about 1,000 stolen cattle. The animals have since been relocated to the Jebjeb community, where military authorities have initiated identification and verification protocols to return the livestock to their rightful owners.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, lauded the joint operation and the synergy between the military units. He emphasized the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to dismantling bandit networks across Taraba and its neighbouring states.
“This operation underscores our readiness to confront threats head-on and protect the lives and livelihoods of law-abiding citizens,” Brig. Gen. Uwa stated, urging local communities to continue partnering with the military by sharing timely and accurate intelligence.
The latest success adds to a series of recent operations aimed at curbing the surge in rural insecurity, especially in border communities straddling Taraba and Plateau States.
The military affirmed that clearance operations are ongoing in suspected hideouts to track down fleeing bandits and further consolidate on the gains made.
By PRNigeria
