By Ihotu Uriel
In a significant breakthrough against criminal elements in Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralized a suspected bandit and recovered arms during a clearance operation in Ussa Local Government Area on Thursday, June 27, 2025.
According to a statement issued by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operation followed credible intelligence which led troops deployed from Kwesati to set up a tactical ambush along a suspected bandit movement route.
“During the mission, troops established contact with the armed bandits and engaged them with superior firepower. The exchange forced the criminals to flee into the surrounding forest, with several believed to have sustained gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
A subsequent sweep of the area yielded the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine containing three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and two mobile phones believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing assailants. One bandit was neutralized during the engagement.
The Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift and professional response, reaffirming the Brigade’s commitment to eradicating threats to peace in Taraba and beyond.
“We remain determined to sustain aggressive patrols and clearance operations across our area of responsibility. The safety of law-abiding citizens remains paramount,” Brigadier General Uwa emphasized.
He called on residents to continue supporting the military by providing timely and actionable information, noting that community collaboration is essential to defeating banditry and restoring long-term peace to the region.
