Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have made major breakthroughs in ongoing anti-banditry operations across Taraba State, arresting wanted criminals and recovering a cache of weapons and military gear. In a statement released on Friday, April 25, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, confirmed the arrests and seizures. He said the operations followed actionable intelligence and distress calls from local communities, particularly in the Lau Local Government Area. According to the army, troops stormed a suspected bandit hideout at Dutsen Kachalla in Lainde on April 16. Although the bandits fled into nearby mountains upon the soldiers’ arrival, troops recovered key items at the scene including an AK-47 rifle butt, a magazine, a military headgear, and a national ID card bearing the name Adamu Umaru Jauro. Subsequent operations in the Lainde Jessy area led to the arrest of Yusuf Hammadu, alias “Dogo,” who, during interrogation, admitted to being part of a kidnapping ring active in Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, and Yorro LGAs. In another development, the troops apprehended a man identified as Richard Ongu, who had been impersonating a serving Nigerian Army major. Ongu, who falsely claimed to be posted to 20 Model Battalion in Gashaka, was found with 86 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a Tarvor magazine, four cartridges, three single-barrel guns, a Beofeng radio, and two military camouflage uniforms. Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and persistence. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s dedication to restoring peace and urged the public to support military operations by providing timely and credible information. General Uwa also warned the public against fraudsters posing as military personnel or demanding bribes for recruitment, reiterating that joining the Nigerian Army is voluntary and entirely free.