Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded a series of operational successes in Taraba State, leading to the arrest of a wanted bandit, a notorious military imposter, and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition.
The operations were carried out under the ongoing internal security campaign, Operation LAFIYAN JAMAA, aimed at ridding Taraba State of criminal elements.
The Army, in a statement, said that on April 16, troops responded to a distress call from a local hunter and stormed a suspected bandit camp at Dutsen Kachalla in Lainde, Lau Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the troops, who went on to recover an AK-47 magazine, a rifle butt, military headgear, and a National ID card belonging to one Adamu Umaru Jauro.
On April 19, acting on credible intelligence, troops arrested one Yusuf Hammadu, alias “Dogo,” in Lainde Jessy, also in Lau LGA. Hammadu had been on the security agencies’ watchlist for alleged involvement in kidnapping and ransom activities across Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, and Yorro LGAs. Preliminary interrogation revealed he is a member of a notorious criminal syndicate.
In a separate operation on April 22, troops apprehended one Richard Ongu for impersonating a military officer. Ongu, who claimed to be a Major in the Nigerian Army, was found to be a discharged Flight Sergeant of the Nigerian Air Force since 2019.
The suspect allegedly defrauded individuals by impersonating military personnel. He was reported to have exchanged his Nissan Jeep for a Toyota Corolla valued at N5.2 million from a car dealer under false pretences, and collected N1.6 million as part payment for 350 bags of Beniseed.
He also extorted money from residents in Bali and Gassol LGAs by claiming to recruit their children into the Nigerian Army and attempted to procure firearms illegally.
On April 24, troops in collaboration with Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) operatives conducted a raid at Jatau-Nyimu village in Donga LGA, recovering 86 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a Tarvor magazine, four cartridges, a Beofeng handheld radio, three single-barrel guns, and two military camouflage uniforms.
Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in Taraba.
The Commander also warned the public against dealing with imposters or individuals who demand money for military recruitment, stressing that enlistment into the Nigerian Army is voluntary, free, and merit-based.
