Troops neutralise two suspected bandits in Taraba raid

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have neutralised two suspected bandits during a clearance operation in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba state.

The operation, carried out by troops deployed at Sarkin Kudu, according to a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Jalingo, followed credible intelligence received on May 18, 2026, concerning the activities of suspected bandits operating from a hideout around the Dooshima District in the Sarkin Kudu area.

According to the Army, troops swiftly mobilised to the area for a tactical raid aimed at flushing out criminal elements threatening peace and security in the state.

On reaching the suspected hideout, the troops reportedly came under attack, leading to a fierce gun battle between the soldiers and the armed suspects.
During the encounter, two suspected bandits were neutralised, while several others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the operation included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, a locally fabricated pistol, one Android phone, three smaller mobile phones, two charm vests, and other personal belongings.

Military authorities said the recovered items are currently in custody and would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

Commenting on the operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for what he described as their courage, professionalism, and swift response.

He noted that the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff to intensify efforts toward flushing out criminal elements and restoring lasting peace and security across Taraba State and neighbouring areas.

Signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, the commander further assured that the brigade’s reward and sanction system would be applied to recognise the gallant soldiers involved in the successful raid.

He reiterated the commitment of the brigade to sustaining aggressive operations against all forms of criminality and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.