Army Nab Five Suspects, Recover Weapons and Charms in Taraba Operation

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested five suspected criminals following a swift response to an attack on communities in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The suspects were apprehended on Thursday after troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Karim Lamido received a distress call reporting the activities of armed criminal elements within the area.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the troops immediately mobilised to the affected location in a bid to prevent further attacks on residents.

Upon arrival, the soldiers reportedly came under gunfire from unidentified armed men. The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their positions and flee into nearby areas.

The statement said the troops launched a pursuit operation, tracking the fleeing suspects and eventually arresting five individuals believed to be connected to the attack.

A subsequent search led to the recovery of several items, including two motorcycles, daggers, machetes, assorted charms, gunpowder and five mobile phones.

Military authorities said the recovered exhibits are expected to aid ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the wider criminal network operating within the area.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and determination in confronting criminal elements.

He praised the soldiers for their swift response and gallantry under fire, noting that their actions helped prevent further harm to residents of the affected communities.

Akaliro reiterated the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, which requires troops across operational theatres to remain vigilant and sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements threatening peace and security.

The Brigade Commander assured residents of Taraba State that the military remains committed to tracking down and neutralising criminal groups operating within the state.

He stressed that troops would continue to maintain pressure on armed gangs and other threats to public safety until lasting peace and stability are restored across all parts of the state.

The latest operation forms part of ongoing security efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke to combat armed banditry, communal violence and other criminal activities in Taraba and neighbouring states within the North-Central and North-East regions.