Troops raid, destroy bandit camps in Southern Taraba

Nigerian troops have successfully cleared several bandit hideouts in Southern Taraba, forcing fighters to flee across the border into Benue State, military sources confirmed on Thursday.

The offensive, part of Operation Peace Shield and Operation Zafin Wuta, involved a coordinated effort by troops from the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke. Field sources said the operation focused on bandit strongholds in Shiid village, Tor-Tser general area, Likam Mountain, Agia village, and Tyozua village in Takum Local Government Area.

According to officials, the mission commenced at 2:07 a.m. on December 7 following verified intelligence on armed groups using the rugged terrain as safe havens.

Troops were split into two teams for maximum effectiveness. Team A set up blocking positions around Tor-Tser to prevent escapes, while Team B moved in as the assault unit toward Shiid village near Likam Mountain.

“Upon encountering the troops, the bandits retreated further into the mountains, abandoning two primary camps, which were subsequently cleared and destroyed,” said a source familiar with the operation.

Investigations revealed that the bandits had previously boasted that their mountainous hideouts were inaccessible to security forces a claim the military says has now been disproven.

While casualty figures and arrests have not been disclosed, military officials confirmed that operations to secure the area are ongoing.