In a determined bid to rid Taraba State of criminal elements threatening regional peace and security, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, led troops of the newly established Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari in a comprehensive two-day clearance operation across Southern Taraba.

The operation, which took place between 19 and 20 June 2025, focused on dismantling bandit camps and clearing criminal hideouts in Wukari and Takum Local Government Areas.

On 19 June, troops advanced along the High Tension route from Chonku to Gor Road, combing villages such as Lortema, Gudu, Mbayenge, and Teyotima in Wukari LGA. Search efforts were concentrated along riverbanks, high grounds, abandoned settlements, and known terrorist enclaves.

At Teyotima, intelligence reports indicated that the mother of a notorious criminal known only as ANGBA, alias “YELLOW,” resides in the area. The location was cordoned off and searched, but no suspects or weapons were found.

The operation continued to Ikayior village, identified as the hideout of another wanted individual, AKIKI UTIV, alias “FULL FIRE.” There, troops uncovered and dismantled a bandit camp, recovering 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition loaded in an AK-47 magazine. The site was destroyed to prevent further use.

On 20 June, clearance operations moved through Chanchangi, Jam Kaanan, Hingir, Ukum, and Nbaume in Takum LGA. While no direct enemy contact was made, troops encountered hostile fire at Mande Atsager, the reported hideout of wanted bandit leader VERIOR JOHN GATA. The bandits, outgunned by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into nearby forests, abandoning their base.

During a search of the abandoned camp, troops discovered a structure containing four in-built detention cells believed to have been used for holding kidnapped victims. A shrine with a human skull was also found, pointing to the suspected use of occult practices to support criminal operations. The camp was subsequently demolished.

Brigadier General Uwa commended the troops for their discipline, tactical precision, and resilience throughout the operation. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to dismantle all criminal networks operating within Taraba State.

He further expressed gratitude to residents for their continued support and urged local communities to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to security agencies, emphasizing the role of public cooperation in sustaining regional peace.