The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, has intensified efforts to secure farmers in Taraba and neighboring states, ensuring they harvest their crops without fear of bandit attacks.
This assurance followed the arrest of a 73-year-old suspected bandit informant, Alhaji Buba Maru, during a clearance operation in Bakin Dutse, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State. The suspect is alleged to have allocated land to bandits for criminal activities.
Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, revealed this in a statement issued in Jalingo on Tuesday.
According to him, the operation, launched under the command of Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, aims to dismantle bandit hideouts, providing safety for farmers during the harvest season and in preparation for the Yuletide.
“Troops discovered several criminal hideouts during the operation, which extended to Kona, Lau, Yorro, and Zing Local Government Areas,” Oni stated. “The clearance efforts yielded significant results in neutralizing threats and apprehending suspects.”
During visits to the chairmen of the affected local governments, Brig. Gen. Uwa assured them of the army’s commitment to enabling farmers to carry out their activities without fear. He also emphasized the military’s focus on ensuring a peaceful festive season for residents.
The apprehended suspect is undergoing investigation and will be handed over to the relevant security agency for prosecution. Meanwhile, the operation continues to target notorious bandit flashpoints across the state.