Nigerian troops destroy bandits’ hideout, recover arms, arrest gunrunner in Taraba

The Nigerian Army said troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with troops of Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, have achieved significant successes in recent operations, destroying bandits' hideouts and recovering arms and ammunition in Taraba State.

Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, stated that on March 22, 2025, troops conducted a decisive offensive in Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State and Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the statement, during the clearance operation, troops dislodged the bandits and recovered one motorcycle. In another location, troops encountered resistance but forced the bandits to abandon their camp, recovering another motorcycle and an international passport belonging to one Muhammadu Dahiru, suspected to be linked to the criminal network.

Troops also advanced to the Dutsen Zaki high ground, where they cleared the general area and neutralized several threats.

*”In a related development, on March 16, 2025, based on credible intelligence, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army raided the residence of two notorious gunrunners, identified as Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu (aka Arewa Mafia), in *Mararraba Donga, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State,” the statement said.

It added that although the suspects evaded arrest, a thorough search of their residence led to the recovery of four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges.

*”On March 20, 2025, troops apprehended a suspected member of a high-profile gunrunning syndicate in Donga Local Government Area.

“Acting on actionable intelligence from a reliable informant, troops laid an ambush and successfully arrested Alhaji Mansur Mohammad in possession of ₦1,200,000, intended for the illegal procurement of arms. Preliminary investigations revealed that the funds were traced back to sponsors in *Bauchi State,” the statement continued.

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

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

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

He further assured the people of Taraba State of the Brigade's resolve to continue aggressive operations until banditry and other criminal activities are decisively curbed.

He 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.