Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have killed two suspected bandits and recovered about 1,000 rustled cattle in a joint operation in Taraba State.
The operation, carried out with personnel from Operation Safe Haven, was launched in response to a bandit attack near Jebjeb village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
The attackers, reportedly over 30 armed men on motorcycles, had crossed into Taraba from neighbouring Plateau State after raiding a Fulani settlement.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, disclosed this in a statement released on Friday, May 16.
“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,” the statement read.
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He added that the troops engaged the bandits in a firefight after locating them in Daji Madam Forest, across the river boundary in Plateau State.
“During the encounter, troops neutralised two of the bandits and successfully recovered about one thousand rustled cattle,” Oni stated.
He also noted that the cattle have been moved to safety in Jebjeb community, where efforts are ongoing to verify the rightful owners before releasing the animals.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their swift action and lauded the collaboration among security agencies.
“This operation once again demonstrates our resolve to maintain pressure on criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Brigadier General Uwa stated.
He urged residents to continue supplying timely and accurate intelligence, emphasising that local support is key to winning the fight against banditry and insecurity across Taraba and Plateau States.