By Tola Gbadamosi

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified their offensive against criminal elements in Taraba State under Operation LAFIYA JAMAA, delivering a series of decisive blows in recent days.

The operations, carried out across several local government areas, led to the arrest of a wanted bandit, the capture of a notorious military impostor, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.

According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Olubodunde Oni, and made available to Weekend Hope, “On April 16, 2025, troops responded to a distress call from a local hunter regarding a suspected bandit enclave in Dutsen Kachalla, Lainde, Lau Local Government Area.

“As the soldiers advanced, the criminals fled into the surrounding hills.

“A subsequent sweep of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 magazine, an AK-47 rifle butt, a piece of military headgear, and a National Identification Card bearing the name Adamu Umaru Jauro.”

Just days later, on 19 April, acting on credible intelligence, troops apprehended a notorious suspect, Yusuf Hammadu, popularly known as ‘Dogo’, in Lainde Jessy, also in Lau LGA.

Hammadu had long been on the radar of security operatives for his involvement in several criminal activities. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to being a member of a syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings and ransom collections across Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, and Yorro LGAs.

In another high-profile operation on 22 April, troops arrested one Richard Ongu, who had been posing as a serving Major in the Nigerian Army.

The suspect, who claimed to be posted to the 20 Model Battalion in Gashaka, was later discovered to be a discharged Flight Sergeant of the Nigerian Air Force, dismissed on November 22, 2019.

Ongu was alleged to have exploited his false identity to defraud several individuals, including fraudulently trading his Nissan Jeep for a Toyota Corolla valued at ₦5.2 million from a dealership owned by Alhaji Ishaka Donga, without paying the balance.

Further investigations revealed that Ongu also collected ₦1.6 million as a deposit to supply 350 bags of beniseed (ridi), a transaction that never materialised.

He was also said to have extorted residents in Bali and Gassol LGAs under the guise of assisting them in securing military recruitment slots for their children.

The suspect even falsely presented himself as the Officer Commanding the Forward Operating Base in Bali and attempted to procure firearms for local leaders.

He is to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution upon the conclusion of military investigations.

On 24 April, troops of the 6 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), conducted a successful raid on Jatau-Nyimu village in Donga LGA.

The operation led to the recovery of 86 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one Tavor magazine, four cartridges, a Baofeng handheld radio, three single-barrel guns, and two military camouflage uniforms.

Reacting to the spate of breakthroughs, the Commander, 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, lauded the troops for their professionalism and commitment.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in Taraba State and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence.

General Uwa also cautioned the public against falling victim to fraudsters who demand money or favours in exchange for military recruitment, stressing that enlistment into the Nigerian Army is entirely voluntary, free of charge, and strictly based on merit.