Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), successfully repelled a reprisal attack by armed bandits on Chachanji village in Taraba State on November 13, 2024.
The attack, launched in the early hours of the day, followed the arrest of 12 suspected bandits and the seizure of 14 motorcycles and a locally-made pistol during a previous operation by the brigade on November 9.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, spokesperson for the 6 Brigade, stated that the bandits sought to retaliate for the earlier operation, but swift intelligence and a decisive military response forced the assailants to retreat.
“Acting on timely intelligence, our troops engaged the bandits with overwhelming firepower, which compelled them to flee into the surrounding bush,” Oni said in a statement.
One bandit was neutralized during the encounter, and troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a Motorola handheld radio.
In a separate development, the 6 Brigade also conducted follow-up operations on the arrest of suspected bandit sponsor Buba Alitu, also known as Buba Gayu, and four others in Dakka village, Bali Local Government Area, on October 31.
Following confessions from two of the suspects, troops executed a search operation at the suspects’ hideout in Gabatari village, recovering one locally-made pistol.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the troops for their successful operations, emphasizing the brigade’s commitment to combating banditry and ensuring security in Taraba and surrounding areas.
“The ongoing operations highlight our dedication to maintaining law and order in the region,” General Uwa said, urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support military efforts in preserving peace and protecting lives.