Troops under 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, have successfully neutralized bandits and recovered over 1,000 rustled cattle in Taraba State.

Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, disclosed this in an official statement released on May 16, 2025.

According to the statement, the operation was launched following credible intelligence about armed bandits mounted on approximately 30 motorcycles who had crossed from Plateau State into Taraba State. The troops swiftly mobilized forces toward Komodoro village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

"Upon contact, the bandits who had already fled across the river boundary into Daji Madam Forest in Plateau State, were engaged in a fierce firefight. During the encounter, troops neutralized two of the bandits and successfully recovered about one thousand rustled cattle," the statement read.

The recovered livestock were immediately herded to safety and relocated to Jebjeb community in Karim Lamido LGA. The military has initiated plans to conduct thorough identification and verification processes to ensure the rustled cattle are returned to their rightful owners.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the swift action and synergy between the collaborating security forces. He reaffirmed the Brigade's commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region.

The Commander urged residents to continue supporting the military and other security agencies with timely and accurate information, emphasizing that this partnership remains vital in the collective effort to ensure lasting peace and security in Taraba State and its environs.

This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat banditry and cattle rustling, which have been persistent security challenges in the northern regions of the country.