23 Bandits Surrender, 1 Killed as Troops Recover Arms in Taraba

Nigerian troops secure a major victory in Taraba as 23 bandits surrender, one is neutralized, and a cache of arms is recovered in ongoing security operations.

Soldiers from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have targeted a notorious bandit camp in Angwan Bala, Kambari village within Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State. During this operation, they killed a suspected bandit.

The incident that took place on Sunday, 2025, was preceded by intelligence gathering conducted by the military.

Based on reliable information regarding the movements of suspected bandits, troops carried out a fighting patrol to their identified hideout. Upon seeing the patrol team, the bandits began shooting, which led to an immediate and powerful response from the troops.

Promotion

During the subsequent firefight, one bandit was killed, while 23 others—comprised of 19 men and four women—surrendered without any further resistance.

This is mentioned in a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6th Brigade.

Captain Oni reported that an extensive search of the camp resulted in uncovering a substantial stockpile of weapons and ammunition. This included four AK-47 rifles, five magazines for these rifles, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one English-made pistol, two locally manufactured guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, as well as 48 daggers and jack knives.

Initial investigations showed that the bandits, who were originally from Plateau State, had paid a local chief in Amar village within Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State ₦1,500,000 to set up their camp there.

Commenting on the successful operation, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, reiterated the brigade’s steadfast dedication to ensuring security and stability in Taraba State and its surrounding areas.

General Uwa urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to security agencies, highlighting the essential role of community cooperation in combating banditry and other forms of crime.

“This operation demonstrates our commitment to removing criminal elements, achieving lasting peace, and preventing Taraba State from becoming a refuge for terrorists. We will persist in collaborating diligently with relevant stakeholders to maintain the fight against insecurity,” General Uwa stated.