Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have continued their determined efforts to rid Taraba State of bandit and criminal activities through sustained clearance operations under Operation LAFIYA NAKOWA.
According to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, the latest operations were conducted across identified bandits’ enclaves in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas following credible intelligence on the movement and activities of armed groups.
The intelligence reports indicated bandits’ presence around Tarhembe, Tornyi, TY Farm, and Kando general areas in Tati, Takum LGA, as well as incidents of farmland destruction in Ussa LGA. Acting swiftly on this information, troops launched simultaneous clearance operations in the affected locations on 5 October 2025.
During the offensive, Team A advanced into Tarhembe and Tornyi, where they engaged the bandits in a brief firefight. The criminals, overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, fled into the forest. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of:
- Four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,
- One AK-47 magazine, and
- One motorcycle.
Meanwhile, Team B carried out a sweep across communities in Ussa LGA, including Kutukok, Konkan, Fank Utaih, Kijwu, Kutukwo, Kwesati, and Alaha, successfully clearing several suspected hideouts. Though no contact was made with the bandits, their camps were destroyed to prevent future regrouping or criminal activity.
The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, lauded the troops for their professionalism and tenacity during the operation. He also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to enhance the success of ongoing efforts.
General Uwa emphasized that the clearance operations have significantly disrupted criminal networks, denied them freedom of action, and reinforced the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Taraba State.
