Troops launch successful clearance operation against bandits in Southern Taraba

In a determined effort to restore peace and security in Taraba State, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, led a two-day clearance operation targeting known criminal hideouts in Southern Taraba.

The operation, which took place between June 19 and 20, 2025, involved troops from the newly established Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari and covered parts of Wukari and Takum Local Government Areas. According to a statement released by the Brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, the troops swept through strategic villages including Lortema, Gudu, Mbayenge, Teyotima, Chanchangi, Jam Kaanan, Hingir, Ukum, and Nbaume.

At Teyotima, troops acted on credible intelligence that linked the village to Angba, a notorious criminal known as “Yellow”. While no suspects or weapons were found, the area was thoroughly searched. In Ikayior village, a known base for another wanted criminal, Akiki Utiv, alias “Full Fire,” troops dismantled a bandit camp and recovered 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition loaded in an AK-47 magazine.

On the second day of the operation, troops encountered resistance at Mande Atsager, believed to be the hideout of bandit leader Verior John Gata. Following a brief exchange of gunfire, the criminals fled into nearby forests. During a search of the area, soldiers discovered a building with four in-built cells suspected to have been used to detain kidnapped victims. They also uncovered a shrine containing a human skull, pointing to suspected ritual practices supporting criminal activities.

General Uwa praised the troops for their discipline and commitment and reiterated the Brigade’s resolve to completely dismantle criminal networks threatening the peace of Taraba State.

The operation follows the recent establishment of a forward operating base in Wukari LGA as part of efforts to maintain order in the region.