23 surrender as Troops dismantles bandit camp in Taraba, recovers arms, motorcycles

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have cracked down on a notorious bandit camp and killed a suspected bandit in Angwan Bala, Kambari village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 2025, followed intelligence gathering by the military.

Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits, troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout. Upon sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from the troops.

In the ensuing firefight, one bandit was killed, while 23 others, including 19 males and four females, surrendered without further resistance.

This is according to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni.

Captain Oni said a comprehensive search of the camp led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 rifle magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one English-made pistol, two locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, and 48 daggers and jackknives.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had paid a local chief in Amar village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State, the sum of ₦1,500,000 to acquire and establish their camp in the area.

Speaking on the successful operation, the Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to the security and stability of Taraba State and its environs.

General Uwa encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies, emphasizing the critical role of community cooperation in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality.

“This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminate criminal elements, restore lasting peace, and ensure that Taraba State does not become a safe haven for terrorists. We will continue to work tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to sustain the fight against insecurity,” General Uwa added.