Troops from the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke and Sector 2 of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), successfully destroyed several bandit’s hideouts during coordinated military operations in Taraba and Plateau States.
Additionally, the troops arrested suspected gunrunners implicated in criminal activities across the states.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday.
The offensive, which began on March 22, targeted a bandit stronghold in Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) in Taraba and Wase LGA in Plateau.
During the operation, troops engaged armed bandits, forcing them to retreat while recovering a motorcycle.
The military then proceeded to another site, which contained over 70 huts, where they encountered resistance but ultimately overcame the criminals with superior firepower.
Another motorcycle and an international passport belonging to Muhammadu Dahiru, a suspected member of a criminal syndicate, were seized.
Oni further confirmed that the troops cleared the Dutsen Zaki high ground, neutralizing threats in the area.
In a separate operation on March 16, troops raided the home of two notorious gunrunners, Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu, also known as Arewa Mafia, in Mararraba Donga, Donga LGA.
Although the suspects managed to escape, security forces seized four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges.
On March 20, another operation led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner, Alhaji Mansur Mohammad, in Donga LGA.
He was found in possession of ₦1.2 million, believed to be intended for the illegal purchase of arms.
Initial investigations have linked the funds to sponsors in Bauchi State.
On the same day, troops apprehended Adamu Yakubu, a notorious bandit leader known as “No Money No Guy.”
Yakubu is linked to numerous kidnappings and violent crimes in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State and southern Taraba.
Security reports also connect him and six associates to a deadly attack on Tse-Shiikaa village in Katsina-Ala on March 10, which resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their dedication and resolve.
He assured residents that the military would continue its aggressive operations against criminal elements and urged the public to remain vigilant and assist security agencies with credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.
