Troops kill two suspected armed bandits in Taraba, recover AK-47

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have killed two suspected armed bandits during a tactical raid in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, the Army said on Monday.

A statement obtained from the Nigerian Army on Monday claimed the operation followed credible intelligence of gunshots heard on 24 May 2026 in a forest near the “Welcome to Donga” signpost in Akate District.

Acting on the tip-off, troops mobilised to the area and carried out a coordinated raid, the statement said.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the troops encountered suspected armed assailants and engaged them in a gun duel. During the exchange, two of the suspected criminals were neutralised,” the Army said.

The statement listed recovered items from the scene as one AK-47 rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, two mobile phones and other personal effects.

Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, Commander of 6 Brigade NA/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the soldiers involved for their “swiftness and professionalism,” and urged them to maintain operational momentum in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to eliminate criminality across the state.

Brigadier General Akaliro also affirmed that the Army’s “reward and sanction policy would also apply to the gallant troops involved in the operation,” and reassured Taraba residents that the brigade “remains resolute in its commitment to pursuing criminal elements and maintaining sustained pressure on them until all threats to peace and security are completely eliminated.”