Troops record success in Taraba clearance operations under operation Lafiya Nakowa, recovering arms and dislodging terrorists from Ibi LGA

Troops record success in Taraba clearance operations under the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa, dealing a fresh blow to terrorists and bandits entrenched in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.

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According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, soldiers from 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) executed a high-impact clearance mission on 14 October 2025, following credible intelligence reports.

The operation targeted terrorist hideouts across Badekoshi, Fajul, Kurmi, and Dampar villages. Upon arriving at Badekoshi, troops encountered armed resistance but quickly gained the upper hand, forcing the assailants to retreat towards nearby forests near Fajul village.

“The gallant troops pursued the fleeing criminals with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon their positions and escape deeper into the forest,” the statement read.

Following the sweep, a meticulous exploitation of the area led to the recovery of critical weapons and equipment, including:

One AK-47 rifle
One magazine and one round of 7.62mm special ammunition
Five rounds of blank ammunition
Two fragmental jackets
Two military camouflage uniforms
One Jincheng motorcycle, believed to have been stolen in an earlier attack on Tapga village

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, commended his troops for their discipline and resolve.

He encouraged continued momentum until “all criminal elements are completely wiped out from Taraba State.”

The Nigerian Army reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, affirming its commitment to peace and collaboration with local communities and security agencies.

This latest success follows a similar operation on 1 October 2025, when troops intercepted a planned terrorist attack in Tor-Ikyeghgba village, neutralising two insurgents after an intense firefight along the powerline axis.

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As part of its broader mandate, Operation Lafiya Nakowa continues to disrupt criminal networks, restore peace to restive communities, and reinforce national stability in Nigeria’s central regions.