Troops destroy bandits den in Taraba state, recover weapons
Army
Abdullateef Fowewe
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), had on Saturday, 22 March, launched a strategic operation in Achalle a border community between Karim Lamido, Taraba state, and Wase Plateau state, leading to successful raid of bandit troops and recovery of one motorcycle.
The was obtained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Olubodunde Oni on Sunday.
The troops had equally encountered another major bandit camp with over 70 huts, engaging the criminals in an intense gunfight, overpowering them, and recovering a motorcycle and an international passport belonging to one Muhammadu Dahiru,suspected to be linked with criminal works.
However, in a similar operation on March 16, the troops following credible intelligence, raided the residence of two notorious gunrunners, Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu (aka Arewa Mafia), in Mararraba Donga, Donga LGA, Taraba state, recovering four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges, while the suspects escaped.
The troop had also arrested one Alhaji Mansur Muhammad in possession of N1,200,000 in cash, intended for the procurement of illegal arms, and also a suspected bandit leader identified as Adamu Yakubu aka (No Money No Guy) notorious for kidnapping for ransom and banditry.
The statement said partly, “In continuation of the ongoing efforts to rid Taraba State and its environs of banditry and other criminal elements under OPERATION LAFIYAN JAMAA, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with troops of Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have achieved significant successes in recent operations.
“On 22 March 2025, troops conducted a decisive offensive on Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State and Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the clearance operation, troops made contact with bandits and successfully dislodged them. In the aftermath, troops recovered 1 motorcycle and continued their advance to another major bandit stronghold.
“At this second location, believed to be a critical hub with over 70 huts, troops encountered resistance but forced the bandits to abandon the camp due to the overwhelming firepower of the advancing forces. The troops recovered another motorcycle and an international passport belonging to one Muhammadu Dahiru, suspected to be linked to the criminal network. The entire camp was subsequently destroyed and set ablaze.
“In a related development, on 16 March 2025, based on credible intelligence, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army raided the residence of two notorious gunrunners, identified as Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu (aka Arewa Mafia) in Mararraba Donga, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. Although the suspects evaded arrest, a thorough search of their residence led to the recovery of 4 pistols, 1 pump-action rifle, and 6 cartridges.”
The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, has however commend the troops on their commitment towards ending banditry, and has assured residents of Taraba state of the continued efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.
