In a bold and decisive move to rid Taraba State of criminal elements, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) neutralised three notorious bandits and dismantled several terrorist hideouts during a clearance operation in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
The operation, which occurred on April 5, 2025, is part of the ongoing military campaign codenamed Operation Lafiya Jamaa—a mission designed to sweep out banditry and restore peace across Taraba’s troubled zones.
According to a statement released by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the troops stormed Achalle community, thoroughly clearing the area before proceeding to Chibi, a known haven for armed gangs. On arrival, the advancing troops made contact with the criminals who, sensing defeat, fled into the surrounding terrain.
“The engagement that followed led to the neutralisation of three bandits. Several makeshift camps used by the criminal elements were destroyed, and the troops recovered two motorcycles, one AK-47 magazine, and thirteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” the statement read.
In a show of sustained military pressure, troops also conducted mop-up operations across the Dutsen Zaki and Achalle axis, an area previously teeming with insurgents. Over seventy criminal camps have been dismantled in that region alone in recent weeks. The latest sweep revealed no sign of human activity—an indicator, according to the Army, that recent operations have successfully flushed out the criminal networks.
As the Nigerian Army continues its relentless push under Operation Lafiya Jamaa, the message to criminals is clear: their reign of terror in Taraba is over.