Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested five suspected armed criminals during an operation in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The troops, deployed at the Forward Operating Base, Karim Lamido, were said to have moved into action after receiving a distress call over an attack by suspected criminal elements on communities in the area.
In a statement issued by the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the army said the troops immediately mobilised to the scene following the report.
According to the statement, the troops came under fire from unidentified gunmen on arrival at the scene.
The soldiers were said to have responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to flee in different directions.
Muhammad said the troops later pursued the fleeing suspects and arrested five persons believed to be connected with the attack.
He said, “The troops immediately mobilised and moved to the scene. Upon arrival, they came under fire from unidentified gunmen and responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the assailants to flee in different directions.”
The statement added that the troops subsequently pursued the fleeing suspects and successfully apprehended five individuals.
Items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles, daggers, machetes, assorted charms, gunpowder and five mobile phones.
The army said the suspects and the recovered items were taken into custody for further investigation.
The operation came amid efforts by security agencies to tackle armed attacks, banditry and other forms of criminality in parts of Taraba State and neighbouring areas.
Reacting to the development, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for what he described as professionalism, courage and gallantry during the operation.
Akaliro said the action of the soldiers reflected the commitment of the army to protecting lives and restoring peace in troubled communities.
He also reiterated the directive of the Chief of Army Staff that troops must remain alert and sustain operations against criminal elements within their areas of responsibility.
According to him, all personnel must continue to deny criminals freedom of action and ensure that communities are protected from further attacks.
The brigade commander further assured residents of Taraba State that the army would continue to pursue criminals wherever they hide.
He said the 6 Brigade remained committed to maintaining sustained pressure on all threats to peace and security until normalcy was fully restored across the state.
Akaliro urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could help troops respond quickly to threats and prevent further attacks.
