Nigerian troops destroy bandit hideouts, arrest gunrunners

In a significant boost to the ongoing efforts to rid Taraba State and its environs of banditry and criminal activities, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with troops of Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have recorded remarkable successes in a series of coordinated operations under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa.

On 22 March 2025, troops launched a decisive offensive on Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State and Wase LGA of Plateau State.

During the clearance operation, troops engaged and dislodged bandits, recovering one motorcycle.

The troops advanced further to another major bandit stronghold, where they encountered resistance but successfully forced the criminals to flee due to superior firepower.

At this second location, described as a critical hub with over 70 huts, troops recovered another motorcycle and an international passport belonging to one Muhammadu Dahiru, suspected to be linked to the criminal network.

The camp was subsequently destroyed and set ablaze. Troops also cleared the Dutsen Zaki high ground, neutralizing several threats in the process.

Diaspora Digital Media also gathered that on 16 March 2025, troops raided the residence of two notorious gunrunners, Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu (aka Arewa Mafia), in Mararraba Donga, Donga LGA of Taraba State.

Although the suspects evaded arrest, troops recovered four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges during a thorough search of the premises.

Further breakthroughs were recorded on 20 March, 2025, when troops apprehended Alhaji Mansur Mohammad, a suspected member of a high-profile gunrunning syndicate, in Donga LGA.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops ambushed and arrested Mohammad in possession of 1,200,000 Naira, allegedly intended for the illegal procurement of arms.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the funds were traced back to sponsors in Bauchi State.

On the same day, troops arrested Adamu Yakubu (aka No Money No Guy), a suspected high-profile bandit leader linked to several cases of banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and violent crimes across Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State and Southern Taraba.

Yakubu and six of his associates were allegedly involved in a brutal attack on 10 March 2025 at Tse-Shiikaa village in Katsina-Ala LGA, where two persons were killed, one sustained life-threatening injuries, and others escaped with gunshot and machete wounds.

The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their commitment and professionalism.

He reassured the people of Taraba State of the Brigade’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations until banditry and other criminal activities are decisively curbed.

General Uwa also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

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