Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have made significant gains in their ongoing efforts to combat banditry and criminal activities in Taraba State under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa.
In a statement Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigerian Army said on 23 March 2025On 22 March 2025, troops carried out a successful offensive in Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido (Taraba State) and Wase (Plateau State). After engaging and dislodging bandits, the troops recovered a motorcycle and advanced to a major bandit stronghold with over 70 huts. Despite initial resistance, the bandits were forced to flee under intense firepower. Another motorcycle and an international passport belonging to one Muhammadu Dahiru, suspected of links to the criminal network, were recovered. The entire camp was destroyed.
Further extending their operations, troops cleared the Dutsen Zaki high ground and neutralized several threats in the area.
In a related operation on 16 March 2025, troops raided the residence of two notorious gunrunners, Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu (aka Arewa Mafia), in Mararraba Donga, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. Though the suspects escaped, troops recovered four pistols, a pump-action rifle, and six cartridges.
On 20 March 2025, acting on intelligence, troops arrested Alhaji Mansur Mohammad in Donga LGA with ₦1.2 million intended for arms procurement. Investigations linked the funds to sponsors in Bauchi State. On the same day, troops also arrested a suspected bandit leader, Adamu Yakubu (aka No Money No Guy), linked to kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State and Southern Taraba. Yakubu and his associates were implicated in the 10 March 2025 attack on Tse-Shiikaa village, which left two dead and several injured.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their professionalism and pledged to sustain aggressive operations until banditry is eradicated. He urged the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.
