Odita Sunday 
Troops Neutralise Two Suspected Bandits, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Taraba Clearance Operation
By Odita Sunday
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have intensified ongoing offensives against criminal elements in Taraba State, successfully neutralising two suspected bandits during a coordinated clearance operation in Ibi Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, conducted by troops deployed at Sarkin Kudu, was part of sustained military efforts aimed at flushing out armed groups and restoring lasting peace and security across vulnerable communities within the state and its surrounding areas.
Military authorities disclosed that the successful raid followed credible intelligence received on May 18, 2026, regarding the activities and movements of suspected bandits operating from a hideout around the Dooshima District in the Sarkin Kudu axis of Ibi LGA.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops mobilised to the general area and launched a tactical clearance operation targeted at dismantling the criminal hideout and preventing further attacks on residents.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops reportedly came under fire from the armed suspects, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and the criminals.
During the encounter, troops successfully neutralised two suspected bandits, while several other members of the gang reportedly escaped from the scene with suspected gunshot wounds sustained during the confrontation.
Military sources said the operation further led to the recovery of assorted arms, communication devices and other items believed to have been used by the criminal group in carrying out its activities within the area.
Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one locally fabricated pistol, one Android phone, three smaller mobile phones, two charm vests and several other personal belongings abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
The military confirmed that all recovered exhibits had been secured and would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
Commenting on the successful operation, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and swift response during the raid.
Brigadier General Akaliro stated that the operation reflected the Brigade’s proactive operational posture and aligned with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff to sustain aggressive offensives against criminal elements threatening peace and stability across Taraba State and neighbouring communities.
According to him, the gallantry displayed by the troops demonstrated the military’s readiness to confront insecurity decisively and deny criminal groups freedom of operation within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
The Commander further assured that the Brigade’s existing reward and sanction system would be applied appropriately to recognise and motivate the soldiers involved in the successful operation.
He reiterated the commitment of the Brigade to sustaining pressure on bandits, armed groups and other criminal networks through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security engagements.
Brigadier General Akaliro also appealed to residents of Taraba State to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of assisting ongoing military and security operations across the state.
He stressed that collaboration between the military and the civilian population remained critical to achieving lasting peace, strengthening community security and defeating criminal elements operating within the region.
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