Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have dislodged suspected terrorists from multiple hideouts in Taraba State, recovering firearms, ammunition, and other equipment in the process.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operation formed part of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa, aimed at removing terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements from the state.

“On 14 October 2025, troops deployed at Tapga Ngasawa village under Dampar District of Ibi Local Government Area received credible intelligence on the hideouts of suspected terrorists operating around Badekoshi, Fajul, Kurmi, and Dampar villages in Ibi LGA. Acting swiftly on the information, the troops conducted a series of clearance operations in the identified areas,” the statement said.

During the operation at Badekoshi, the army reported making contact with the terrorists, who were forced to retreat towards Fajul village near the forest. “The troops pursued the fleeing criminals with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon their positions and escape deeper into the forest,” the statement added.

A subsequent search and exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a round of 7.62mm special ammunition, five rounds of blank ammunition, two fragmental jackets, two military camouflage uniforms, and a Jincheng motorcycle believed to have been stolen in a previous attack at Tapga village.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade NA/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain operations until all criminal elements are cleared from Taraba. “The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens and will continue to work with other security agencies and local communities to achieve lasting peace in the State,” the statement said.

This follows a prior operation on 1 October 2025, when troops successfully foiled a planned terrorist attack and neutralised two suspects at Tor-Ikyeghgba village. “Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced to the area, made contact with the bandits along the powerline axis, and engaged them with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of two,” the army said.

The operations highlight continued efforts by the Nigerian Army to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen security across Taraba State.