By ZAKAA LAZARUS
As part of ongoing efforts to rid Taraba State of criminal elements under the auspices of Operation LAFIYAN JAMAA, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have continued to record tremendous operational successes in recent days.
The gallant troops carried out a series of coordinated operations across various local government areas, resulting in the arrest of a wanted bandit, the apprehension of a notorious military imposter, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
On 16 April 2025, following a distress call from a local hunter, troops swiftly mobilized to a suspected bandits camp at Dutsen Kachalla in Lainde, Lau LGA.
Upon sighting the approaching troops, the criminals fled into the mountainous terrain. The troops pursued and successfully recovered one (1) AK-47 magazine, one (1) AK-47 rifle butt, one (1) military headgear, and a National Identification Card belonging to one Adamu Umaru Jauro.
On 19 April 2025, acting on credible intelligence, troops apprehended one Yusuf Hammadu, also known as “Dogo”, in Lainde Jessy, Lau LGA. The suspect has been on the watchlist of security agencies for his involvement in several criminal activities.
During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to being a member of a syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings and ransom collections in Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, and Yorro LGAs.
In another operation on 22 April 2025, troops arrested one Richard Ongu, who had been parading himself as a serving Major in the Nigerian Army.
The suspect falsely claimed to be posted to 20 Model Battalion, Gashaka. During preliminary investigation, Ongu claimed he was a discharged Flight Sergeant of the Nigerian Air Force, separated from service since 22 November 2019.
Ongu reportedly swindled several individuals by impersonating military personnel.
Notably, he fraudulently exchanged his Nissan Jeep for a Toyota Corolla worth ₦5.2 million from a car stand owned by Alhaji Ishaka Donga, promising to pay the balance, which he failed to do.
He also collected ₦1.6 million as deposit for supplying 350 bags of Beniseed (Ridi), and extorted money from locals in Bali and Gassol LGAs under the guise of recruiting their children into the Nigerian Army. He even claimed to be the Officer Commanding the Forward Operating Base, Bali, and attempted to illegally procure firearms for community leaders.
The suspect will be handed over to appropriate authorities upon the conclusion of military investigations for proper prosecution.
On 24 April 2025, 6 Brigade troops in conjunction with DIA operatives conducted a successful operation at Jatau-Nyimu village in Donga LGA.
The operation led to the recovery of eighty-six (86) rounds of 5.6MM ammunition, one (1) Tarvor magazine, four (4) cartridges, one (1) Beofeng handheld radio, three (3) single-barrel guns, and two (2) military camouflage uniforms.
While commenting on the operations, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience.
He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in Taraba State and called on the general public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
General Uwa also cautioned the public against patronizing individuals who demand money or material items in exchange for military recruitment, emphasizing that enlistment into the Nigerian Army is voluntary, free and merit-based.
