Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke and working alongside personnel from Operation Safe Haven, have neutralised two suspected bandits and recovered about 1,000 rustled cattle during a recent operation in Taraba State .

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the operation took place near Jebjeb village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area. The response followed intelligence about a bandit attack involving over 30 armed men on motorcycles who crossed into Taraba from Plateau State.

Captain Oni explained that the troops acted swiftly after credible reports that the bandits had attacked a Fulani settlement and stolen a large number of cattle.

The statement said, “In a prompt and coordinated response, troops of 6 Brigade, in conjunction with their counterparts from Operation Safe Haven deployed in Kampani area of Wase LGA, Plateau State, mobilised and projected forces toward Komodoro village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Upon contact, the bandits who had already fled across the river boundary into Daji Madam Forest in Plateau State were engaged in a fierce firefight

During the encounter, troops neutralised two of the bandits and successfully recovered about one thousand rustled cattle.”

Captain Oni added that the recovered cattle were secured and moved to the Jebjeb community. Verification is ongoing to identify the rightful owners before the livestock is returned.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the collaboration between the troops and other security agencies involved in the operation.

He said, “This operation demonstrates our ongoing efforts to maintain pressure on criminal elements and enhance the security of communities.”

Brigadier General Uwa also urged residents of Taraba and neighbouring areas to continue sharing timely and accurate information with security forces, emphasising that community cooperation is vital to combating banditry and insecurity in the region.