Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested five suspected criminals following a gun battle with armed assailants in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspects were apprehended on Thursday, June 4, after troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Karim Lamido responded to a distress call reporting an attack by armed criminal elements on communities within the area.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Umar Muhammad, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene of the attack following receipt of the report.
The military said that upon arrival, the soldiers came under gunfire from unidentified attackers and immediately engaged them in a firefight.
The superior firepower of the troops forced the assailants to flee in different directions, prompting a pursuit operation that led to the arrest of five suspects believed to be connected to the attack.
Items recovered from the suspects include two motorcycles, machetes, daggers, assorted charms, gunpowder and five mobile phones.
The military did not disclose whether any casualties were recorded during the operation but noted that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the fleeing group.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, praised the troops for their professionalism, bravery and swift response.
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He commended the soldiers for demonstrating courage and commitment in confronting the armed criminals and preventing further attacks on communities in the area.
The brigade commander also reiterated the directive of the Chief of Army Staff that troops must remain vigilant and sustain ongoing operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within their areas of responsibility.
Brigadier General Akaliro assured residents of Taraba State that the military would continue to pursue criminal elements and maintain pressure on all threats to peace and security across the state.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of lives and property in Taraba and other areas affected by criminal activities.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Whirl Stroke to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the North-Central region.
