Troops neutralize two suspected bandits in Taraba and recover an AK-47.

Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army’s Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) eliminated two suspected armed bandits during a tactical raid in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation, carried out on 24 May 2026, was prompted by credible intelligence that gunfire had been heard in a forest near the “Welcome to Donga” signpost in Akate District.

Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, said the soldiers moved quickly to the location and conducted a raid on the suspected hideout.

According to the statement, the troops found armed assailants on arrival, resulting in a firefight that neutralised two of the suspects.

Items seized at the scene included one AK‑47 rifle, five rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, two AK‑47 magazines, two mobile phones, and other personal belongings.

Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commander of the 6 Brigade, praised the soldiers for their professionalism and rapid response.

He urged the troops to maintain the current operational tempo, following the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to eliminate criminal activity in the state.

Akaliro also noted that the military’s reward and sanction policy would apply to the soldiers involved in the successful mission, and reassured residents of Taraba State of the army’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements until peace and security are fully restored across the state.