Troops of the Headquarters 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have intensified counter-banditry efforts in Taraba State, a conflict-prone area in North-East Nigeria that has faced recurring armed violence over the years. The latest operations resulted in the neutralisation of two armed men, the destruction of several hideouts, and the arrest of a key suspect linked to ongoing criminal activities across multiple rural communities.
According to a detailed statement released by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the troops launched a coordinated clearance mission on December 2. The operation, officially code-named Operation Zafin Wuta, targeted strategic locations across Shiid, Agia and Tyozua, all situated within Takum Local Government Area, a region historically affected by violent clashes and bandit incursions.
Okay News reports that the mission was triggered by credible intelligence indicating the presence of heavily armed groups within the Tor-Tser axis, prompting the Army to deploy specialised personnel to disrupt their activities.
During the operation, the troops advanced toward mountainous hideouts believed to be used as fortified encampments by criminal elements. The statement noted that, as soldiers approached, the armed men reportedly “fled deeper into the rugged terrain, abandoning their camps.” The troops then conducted a detailed search of the deserted locations and subsequently destroyed the camps, which the criminals had often boasted were impenetrable to security forces.
The Army confirmed that one suspect, identified as Dahiru Maigari, was arrested in the aftermath of the clearance sweep. Authorities indicated that he is already undergoing preliminary investigation to determine his level of involvement in the criminal network that has been troubling communities in the area.
In a follow-up development on December 4, the Army disclosed that another team of soldiers conducted a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido, a local government area in northern Taraba State that has recently witnessed renewed attempts by armed groups to regroup. The patrol reportedly came under fire while approaching Usmanu, as gunmen concealed behind the Wudompi Community opened fire on the advancing troops.
The Army noted that the soldiers responded “swiftly, repelling the attack and neutralising two of the armed men.” A search of the area after the exchange of fire led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and twenty-one rounds of ammunition. No casualties were recorded among the soldiers. According to the Army’s assessment, the attackers were believed to be members of the Karimjo faction, an armed group known for attempting to reestablish influence across remote forest corridors in the region.
Following the engagements, security across Karim Lamido was reported to be stable, with troops placed on heightened alertness to prevent further attempts by criminal elements to regroup after the losses they suffered.
Reacting to the success of the operations, the Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the professionalism displayed by the troops. He stated that the series of operations “once again demonstrates that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army and no criminal enclave is beyond reach.” The Commander also reassured residents across Taraba State that the brigade remains fully committed to pursuing armed criminals “wherever they may flee” and pledged sustained pressure until stability is fully restored.
