We will ensure peace, security across Taraba – OPWS Commander, Uwa

The Commander of the troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, has reiterated the readiness of the troops to ensure peace and security across Taraba State and beyond.

In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday by the brigade’s Acting Assistant Director 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Oni Olubodunde, the Nigerian Army’s proactive measures, as made known by Uwa, are part of broader efforts to prevent criminal activities and maintain peace in the state during the festive season.

Announcing its preparation to ensure a safe and secure environment for the ongoing farm harvest season and the forthcoming yuletide, the Brigade, according to Uwa, has successfully conducted a series of clearance operations across multiple bandit hideouts in the state.

Codenamed Operation Golden Peace, the initiatives, which he said laid the groundwork for restoring peace in the northern part of the state and the state at large, have enabled the troops to target bandit hideouts around the Lijem high ground in Takum Local Government Council.

“The operation extended to the power line near Vingiri and Vingir villages, bolstering the confidence of local residents,” Uwa said.

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He added that “Subsequent operations on November 29 and 30 focused on areas such as Kufai Ahmadu, Jam, Hingir, Ukum, and Nbaume villages.”

“In notorious terrorist camps, including New Gboko and Che Adekpe—associated with the wanted criminal Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe, alias Boujogh—troops engaged the bandits in fierce firefights,” stating that “the criminals were overwhelmed by the army’s superior firepower, forcing them to retreat.”

Announcing that several bandit camps were destroyed during the operation, he listed 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one AK-47 magazine, a Baofeng handheld radio, and two motorcycles as items recovered from the bandits.

Uwa, who also announced that the troops extended their mission to the Akume and Ananum areas in Donga Council to further ensure the safety of residents, reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Praising the cooperation of local communities, he urged them to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

Stating that “together, we will ensure peace and security across Taraba State and beyond,” he affirmed.