Troops Raid Bandit Hideouts in Taraba, Arrest Gunrunners, Recover Arms
 Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven, have intensified efforts to combat banditry in Taraba and Plateau States, leading to the destruction of multiple bandit hideouts, recovery of arms, and the arrest of notorious gunrunners.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, the operations were part of Operation Lafiyan Jamaa, a military initiative aimed at curbing criminal activities in the region.
“On March 22, 2025, troops launched a clearance operation in Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State and Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. The offensive led to a confrontation with bandits, who were subsequently dislodged.
“During the operation, troops recovered a motorcycle and pushed forward to a larger bandit camp consisting of over 70 huts. Despite resistance, the military overpowered the criminals, forcing them to flee. Another motorcycle and an international passport belonging to a suspected criminal, Muhammadu Dahiru, were recovered before the camp was set ablaze,” the statement read.
Troops further advanced to the Dutsen Zaki high ground, where they neutralized multiple threats and cleared the general area of hostile elements.
In a separate operation on March 16, 2025, acting on intelligence, troops raided the residence of two suspected gunrunners, Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu (aka Arewa Mafia), in Mararraba Donga, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. While the suspects managed to escape, a search of their residence led to the recovery of four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges.
Similarly, on March 20, 2025, troops arrested a suspected gunrunning syndicate member in Donga Local Government Area. The suspect, Alhaji Mansur Mohammad, was found in possession of ₦1.2 million, allegedly meant for the illegal purchase of arms. Preliminary investigations traced the funds to sponsors in Bauchi State.
On the same day, troops apprehended a notorious bandit leader, Adamu Yakubu (aka No Money No Guy), linked to multiple cases of banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, and southern Taraba. Intelligence reports revealed his involvement in the March 10, 2025, attack on Tse-Shiikaa village, which left two people dead and several others injured.
Commending the troops for their bravery, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eliminating banditry and other criminal activities in the region. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing credible intelligence.
The military assured the public that Operation Lafiyan Jamaa would continue until peace and security are fully restored in Taraba State and beyond.
