Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing clearance mission codenamed Operation Lafiya Nakowa, aimed at rooting out terrorists and bandits from Taraba State.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the operation followed credible intelligence about the presence of suspected terrorists in several communities across Ibi Local Government Area.
“On October 14, 2025, troops deployed at Tapga Ngasawa village under Dampar District of Ibi Local Government Area received reliable information about the hideouts of suspected terrorists operating around Badekoshi, Fajul, Kurmi, and Dampar villages,” Muhammad said. “Acting on this intelligence, our troops launched a series of clearance operations across the identified locations.”
During the operation at Badekoshi, soldiers encountered the terrorists, who fled toward Fajul village in the nearby forest. Muhammad noted that the troops pursued the fleeing criminals with “superior firepower,” forcing them to abandon their positions and retreat deeper into the forest.
He disclosed that after the encounter, the troops conducted a detailed sweep of the area, which led to the recovery of several items, including “one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one round of 7.62mm special ammunition, five rounds of blank ammunition, two fragmental jackets, two military camouflage uniforms, and one Jincheng motorcycle suspected to have been stolen during an earlier attack at Tapga village.”
The Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and courage.
“Your dedication and bravery continue to make a difference in the fight against terrorism,” Uwa said. “I urge you to sustain this momentum until all criminal elements are completely wiped out from Taraba State.”
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that the force “will continue to collaborate with other security agencies and local communities to ensure lasting peace in the state.”
Earlier on October 1, 2025, the Brigade foiled another planned terrorist attack at Tor-Ikyeghgba village, neutralising two suspects during a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced to the general area and engaged the terrorists along the powerline axis,” Muhammad recalled. “The prompt action of the troops resulted in the neutralisation of two suspects and the recovery of weapons.”
The Army reiterated its resolve to maintain continuous pressure on criminal elements in the region, assuring residents of Taraba of its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and normalcy.
