By ZAKAA LAZARUS.
The relentless efforts of troops under 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, have once again yielded positive results in the ongoing fight against banditry and criminality in Taraba and neighbouring states.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops responded swiftly to a report of armed bandits mounted on approximately 30 motorcycles who had crossed from Plateau State into Taraba State. The criminal elements launched a cattle rustling operation targeting a Fulani settlement near Jebjeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State.
In a prompt and coordinated response, troops of 6 Brigade, in conjunction with their counterparts from Operation SAFE HAVEN deployed in Kampani area of Wase LGA, Plateau State, mobilized and projected forces toward Komodoro village in Karim Lamido LGA. Upon contact, the bandits who had already fled across the river boundary into Daji Madam Forest in Plateau State, were engaged in a fierce firefight.
During the encounter, troops neutralized two (2) of the bandits and successfully recovered about one thousand (1,000) rustled cattle.
The recovered livestock were immediately herded to safety and relocated to Jebjeb community in Karim Lamido LGA.
Plans are currently underway to conduct thorough identification and verification processes to ensure the rustled cattle are returned to their rightful owners in due course.
The Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the swift action and synergy between the collaborating security forces, reaffirming the commitment of the Brigade to sustain pressure on criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region.
He urged residents to continue to support the military and other security agencies with timely and accurate information, as this partnership remains vital in the collective effort to ensure lasting peace and security in Taraba and its environs.
