During a counter-banditry operation in Taraba State, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, working under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, along with members of Operation Safe Haven, have neutralised two suspected bandits and retrieved about 1,000 rustled cattle.
This is disclosed in a statement released on Friday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni.
Following a coordinated response to a bandit raid in which more than 30 armed men on motorcycles crossed into Taraba from bordering Plateau State, the operation, according to the statement, took place close to Jebjeb village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
Oni claimed that the army acted quickly after receiving reliable information about the bandits’ movements after they had raided a Fulani hamlet and robbed numerous cattle, which resulted in the recovery of the cattle.
The statement read partly, “In a prompt and coordinated response, troops of 6 Brigade, in conjunction with their counterparts from Operation Safe Haven deployed in Kampani area of Wase LGA, Plateau State, mobilised and projected forces toward Komodoro village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
“Upon contact, the bandits who had already fled across the river boundary into Daji Madam Forest in Plateau State were engaged in a fierce firefight.
“During the encounter, troops neutralised two of the bandits and successfully recovered about one thousand rustled cattle.”
While verification processes are being carried out to make sure the cattle’s lawful owners are identified and returned, Captain Oni noted that the recovered livestock had been moved to the Jebjeb community and herded to safety.
Commenting on the operation, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, lauded the swift and coordinated response of the troops and praised the synergy between security agencies.
“This operation once again demonstrates our resolve to maintain pressure on criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Brigadier General Uwa said.
Uwa called on residents of Taraba and surrounding areas to continue providing timely and accurate information to the military, stressing that civilian cooperation remains crucial to the ongoing efforts to end banditry and insecurity in the two states.
