‘Village Head Collected N1.5Million From Bandits To Set Up Camp In Karim/Lamido’

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have dismantled a notorious bandit camp in Angwan Bala community, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing one bandit during a fierce gun battle, saying a local chief allegedly received N1.5 million and provided a hideout for the terrorists. 

The operation, launched on Sunday, also led to the surrender and arrest of 23 suspected bandits, including 19 males and 4 females, after they were overpowered by the troops' superior firepower.

Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, confirmed the successful sting operation and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition.

"Acting on credible intelligence about the movement of suspected bandits, the gallant troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout," Oni stated.

"On sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response. In the ensuing firefight, one bandit was neutralized, while 23 others surrendered without further resistance."

The search of the camp yielded a significant haul of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 rifle magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an English-made pistol, two locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, and 48 daggers and jack knives.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, paid ₦1.5 million to a local chief in Amar village to establish the camp.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, reaffirmed the military's commitment to making Taraba inhospitable for terrorists and urged residents to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to security agencies.