By Emmanuel Obisue
Efforts to rid Taraba State of criminal elements threatening peace and safety reached top gear, as the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, led troops from the newly launched Forward Operating Base in Wukari on a decisive two-day clearance mission across Southern Taraba.
The military disclosed that the operation, carried out from June 19 to 20 was aimed at disrupting identified bandit strongholds and criminal hideouts located within Wukari and Takum Local Government Areas.
The military said on June 19, troops pushed along the High Tension route through Chonku to Gor Road, sweeping through villages such as Lortema, Gudu, Mbayenge, and Teyotima in Wukari LGA. Troops thoroughly searched key terrain including riverbanks, elevated areas, deserted villages, and known terrorist hideouts.
In Teyotima village, intelligence reports suggested that the mother of a notorious criminal, ANGBA (FNU), also known as “YELLOW,” resided there. The suspect is believed to have used the community as a base. Troops secured and searched the area, though no weapons or suspects were recovered.
Further action was taken in Ikayior village, reportedly home to another wanted individual, AKIKI UTIV, alias “FULL FIRE.” During the operation, troops located and dismantled a functioning bandit camp. A search of the site led to the seizure of 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition stored in an AK-47 magazine. The camp was subsequently razed to prevent further criminal activity.
The following day, on 20 June, troops continued their mission through Chanchangi, Jam Kaanan, Hingir, Ukum, and Nbaume villages in Takum LGA. No hostile engagement was recorded until they reached Mande Atsager, a location identified as the hideout of a wanted gang leader, VERIOR JOHN GATA. Troops came under fire but swiftly repelled the attack, forcing the assailants to flee into the forest and abandon their base.
A search of the site revealed a structure fitted with four holding cells, believed to have been used for detaining kidnapping victims ahead of ransom payments. Additionally, troops uncovered a shrine with a human skull, indicating possible ritualistic practices in support of criminal operations. The site was cleared and the camp dismantled.
