Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a clearance operation in the Kwesati community, Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation forms part of a broader military campaign to rid Taraba State of bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements.
According to a statement released by the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Captain Olubodunde Oni, the success of the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected bandits in the area.
“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits, troops stationed at Kwesati swiftly deployed and tactically established a position along a suspected crossing route,” the statement said.
The troops reportedly engaged the criminals with superior firepower upon making contact. “The intensity of the engagement forced the bandits to flee in disarray, with several suspected to have escaped into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds. One bandit was neutralised during the encounter,” the statement added.
Following the operation, troops carried out a sweep of the area and recovered an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine loaded with three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and two mobile phones.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their gallantry and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations until all criminal threats are eliminated across the state.
General Uwa also urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasising that community cooperation is crucial to the success of ongoing security efforts.
The statement concluded by noting that the operation underscores the resilience and dedication of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 OPWS to safeguarding lives and property across Taraba State.
