Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with troops of Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have arrested a suspected member of a major gun-running syndicate and a high-profile bandit leader in Taraba State.

The suspect, identified as Alhaji Mansur Mohammad, was intercepted in Donga Local Government Area with ₦1.2 million, allegedly meant for the illegal purchase of arms.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the Acting Spokesperson of the Brigade, Captain Oni Olubodunde, investigations linked the funds to sponsors in Bauchi State.

On the same day, troops confirmed the arrest of a notorious bandit leader, Adamu Yakubu, who has been implicated in multiple cases of banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and violent crimes across Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State and southern Taraba. Intelligence reports revealed that Yakubu and his gang were responsible for a brutal attack on Tse-Shiikaa village on March 10, 2025, in which two people were killed and several others injured.

In a separate operation, the army also announced the raid of the residence of two notorious gunrunners in Mararraba Donga, Donga Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu (alias Arewa Mafia), managed to escape, but a search of their hideout led to the recovery of four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges.

“As part of Operation Lafiyan Jamma, troops launched an offensive on March 22, 2025, targeting Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State and Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. The troops engaged bandits in a fierce battle, successfully dislodging them and recovering a motorcycle before advancing deeper into a key bandit stronghold,” the army said.

Adding that, at another location, which housed over 70 huts and served as a major operational base for criminals, troops encountered resistance but overpowered the bandits, forcing them to flee. Among the recovered items was an international passport belonging to one Muhammadu Dahiru, suspected to be linked to the criminal network. The entire camp was destroyed and set ablaze, further crippling bandit activities in the region.

Troops also extended their operations to the Dutsen Zaki high ground, clearing the area and neutralizing additional threats, Olubodunde stated.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism. He reassured residents that the Brigade remains committed to sustained military operations until banditry and other criminal activities are eradicated.

General Uwa also urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.