One killed as troops raid ‘bandit hideout’ in Taraba

Troops of the Nigerian Army raided a “bandit hideout” in Angwan Bala, Kambari area of Karim Lamido LGA, Taraba state, killing one suspect and forcing 23 others to surrender.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that a cache of arms was seized during the operation.

Makama said troops of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) carried out the raid.

The report added that the raid, conducted on February 2, was based on credible intelligence. 

“On arrival at the hideout, the troops encountered resistance as the bandits opened fire,” the report reads.

“However, the soldiers overpowered them, leading to the neutralization of one bandit while 23 others, including 19 males and four females, surrendered.

“A search of the camp led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an English-made pistol, two locally fabricated guns, 28 cutlasses, 48 daggers and jack knives, and 16 motorcycles.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau state, had paid a local chief in Amar village the sum of ₦1.5 million to establish their camp in the area.”

The report added that Kingsley Uwa, commander of the 6 Brigade, praised the troops for their efforts and reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to securing Taraba and its surroundings.

“This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminate criminal elements and prevent Taraba from becoming a safe haven for terrorists,” he said.

He urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.