By Emmanuel Awari,Jalingo
The 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has pledged to intensify efforts to eradicate banditry and criminal hideouts in Taraba State. Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Brigade Commander, reaffirmed this commitment through a robust clearance operation aimed at restoring peace and security in the region.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo on Monday.
According to Oni, the operation, which commenced on Sunday, November 17, 2024, targets key flashpoints, including the Bakin Dutse mountains in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area (LGA), Sunkani, and other high-risk zones.
The mission has already dismantled several criminal hideouts and resulted in the arrest of a suspected bandit informant, Alhaji Buba Maru, a 73-year-old resident of Bakin Dutse alleged to have allocated land to bandits for their operations.
The offensive extended to the Kona Mountains in Lau LGA, where security forces achieved significant success in neutralizing threats and restoring confidence among residents. On November 18, the operation continued into Yorro and Zing LGAs, clearing more camps and criminal hotspots.
During the operation, Brigadier General Uwa paid courtesy visits to the Chairmen of the affected LGAs, who serve as the Chief Security Officers of their areas. The Commander highlighted the operation’s purpose, emphasizing the importance of ensuring farmers can harvest their crops without fear and that citizens enjoy a peaceful yuletide season.
General Uwa also urged local government authorities to enhance community sensitization on security, encourage the use of local vigilantes and hunters under strict supervision, and promote cooperation with security agencies. He appealed to residents to provide credible intelligence to support ongoing security efforts.
In response, the LGA Chairmen commended the Brigade’s proactive measures, noting that the renewed operations have brought a sense of safety and security to their communities.
“The 6 Brigade remains unwavering in its resolve to ensure Taraba State is safe for all residents,” General Uwa said, urging vigilance and cooperation from the public to eliminate criminal elements from the state.
The clearance operation is part of broader efforts to stabilize the region and ensure a secure environment for farming and festivities.