By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have scored a major victory against terrorists in Taraba State, killing two notorious fighters and recovering deadly weapons in a series of well-coordinated operations.
Military sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama on Tuesday that the operations, conducted under Operation Lafiya Nakowa—launched on September 1 by 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS—were aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements wreaking havoc in the state.
The latest encounter occurred on September 15 and 16, following actionable intelligence that terrorists suspected to be from the dreaded Bojo Group were plotting an attack on Chanchanji community in Takum Local Government Area.
Acting swiftly, troops laid a night ambush along the Demeva–Chanchanji road. At about 11:50 p.m., the terrorists ran into the military’s trap. A fierce gun battle ensued, leaving one terrorist neutralised on the spot. Troops recovered a G3 rifle, a magazine with 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and a motorcycle used by the criminals.
“Several others escaped into the dense forest with gunshot wounds. However, troops could not pursue due to poor visibility and the difficult terrain,” one of the military sources revealed.
Just a day earlier, on Monday, troops also clashed with another terrorist cell along the same axis, killing one and forcing others to flee in disarray.
Security experts say the back-to-back successes highlight the Army’s renewed resolve to dismantle criminal networks in Taraba and restore peace to vulnerable communities long terrorised by armed groups.
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