Soldiers from the 6 Brigade Sector 3, engaged in Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) of the Nigerian Army, have successfully dismantled eleven bandit strongholds across two local government areas in Taraba State.
Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, revealed in a statement issued in Jalingo that the military units targeted bandit camps located in Tarhembe, Tornyi, and Kando within the Tati district of Takum local government area.
According to Lt. Muhammad, one of the dismantled hideouts was situated near TY Farm in Takum LGA, while bandits had reportedly ravaged farmland in the neighboring Ussa local government area.
The clearance mission is part of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa, which aims to eradicate dormant bandit groups and other criminal elements operating within Taraba State.
The operation was launched following reliable intelligence reports indicating bandit activities around Tarhembe, Tornyi, TY Farm, and Kando in Tati, Takum LGA, alongside accounts of farmland destruction in Ussa LGA.
On October 5, 2025, troops simultaneously initiated clearance maneuvers in the identified locations.
“Team A advanced into Tarhembe and Tornyi, where they engaged with bandits. Superior firepower compelled the criminals to retreat into the forest,” the statement detailed.
Items seized during the operation included four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK-47 magazine, and a motorcycle.
Meanwhile, Team B conducted operations in Lissam, Ussa LGA, moving through Kutukok, Konkan, Fank Utaih, Kijwu, Kutukwo, Kwesati, and Alaha. They cleared suspected bandit hideouts without encountering resistance.
“Nonetheless, suspected bandit camps in these areas were destroyed to prevent the criminals from regaining operational freedom,” the statement added.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their determination and encouraged the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support security efforts.
General Uwa emphasized that the ongoing operations have significantly disrupted criminal activities and curtailed the freedom of bandits to operate. He reassured local communities of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and property.
Additional images from the operation are displayed below:
