By Nkechi Eze
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have recorded a major success in their ongoing clearance operations to rid Taraba State of bandits and criminal elements. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops neutralized a suspected bandit and recovered arms and other items during a tactical operation in Ussa Local Government Area on Thursday, June 27, 2025.
In an official signed statement, Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, disclosed that the troops deployed from Kwesati executed a well-coordinated ambush along a suspected bandit crossing route following intelligence reports.
“During the operation, contact was made with the bandits, and our troops engaged them with superior firepower. The intensity of the firefight forced the criminals to retreat in disarray, with several believed to have fled into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
Following the encounter, troops conducted a detailed sweep of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine loaded with three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and two mobile phones believed to have belonged to the fleeing bandits.
The operation led to the neutralization of one bandit, while others escaped, likely with injuries. The items recovered have since been secured for further investigation and exploitation.
Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their professionalism and swift tactical response. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering resolve to sustain offensive operations against all criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region.
“We will continue to dominate the area of operations with aggressive patrols and clearances until all threats are neutralized. The safety of law-abiding citizens remains our top priority,” Brigadier General Uwa said.
He further urged the general public to remain vigilant and to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation is critical in the fight against insecurity.
