Troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully dismantled a notorious bandit camp in Angwan Bala, Kambari village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State. During the operation on February 2, 2025, military forces neutralized one bandit, while 23 others, including 19 men and 4 women, surrendered without resistance.

The operation followed extensive intelligence gathering, which indicated the movement of suspected bandits. Upon reaching the camp, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate counterattack from the troops. The firefight resulted in the death of one bandit, and the remaining bandits surrendered.

A subsequent search of the camp led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including 4 AK-47 rifles, 5 rifle magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, an English-made pistol, 2 locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, 48 daggers, and jack knives. Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had paid a local chief in Amar village ₦1,500,000 to establish their camp in the region.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, praised the successful operation, reaffirming the army’s commitment to securing Taraba State and surrounding areas. He urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in fighting banditry and other criminal activities.

“This operation reflects our determination to eliminate criminal elements, restore peace, and ensure that Taraba State does not become a safe haven for terrorists,” General Uwa stated.