In a significant push against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s Taraba State, the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled over 70 bandit camps, neutralizing three terrorists in the process.

This operation, conducted on April 5, 2025, is part of the ongoing military campaign known as Operation Lafiya Jama’a, aimed at rooting out criminal elements and restoring peace in the region.

The operation, led by the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), targeted hideouts in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area, specifically in the areas of Achelle and Chibi, showcasing the military’s determination to curb insecurity in Taraba and its surrounding regions.

The operation began with a strategic sweep in Achelle, a border community between Karim Lamido in Taraba State and Wase in Plateau State, where troops encountered bandits.

As the forces advanced toward Chibi, the bandits attempted to flee but were swiftly intercepted. A confrontation ensued, resulting in the elimination of three bandits.

During the clash, the military destroyed several makeshift camps used by the criminals as operational bases.

In addition to neutralizing the terrorists, the troops recovered critical items, including an AK-47 rifle, 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, and two motorcycles, which were likely used by the bandits for mobility during their criminal activities.

The recovery of these items underscores the operational capabilities of the bandits and the importance of such military interventions in disrupting their activities.

Further searches in the Dutsen Zaki and Achalle areas revealed the extent of the military’s recent efforts, with over 70 criminal camps dismantled in the past few weeks.

According to Captain Oni Olubodunde, the spokesperson for the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in Jalingo, the latest operation showed no signs of human activity in the targeted areas, a testament to the effectiveness of prior security operations in the region.

This suggests that the sustained military pressure may be forcing bandits to abandon their hideouts, although the persistence of such camps indicates the deep-rooted nature of the security challenges in Taraba.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

He emphasized the military’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Taraba State becomes a no-go zone for terrorists and criminals.

General Uwa also called on residents to remain vigilant and proactive in their daily activities, assuring them that the military is working tirelessly to maintain law and order.

He stressed the importance of community cooperation, urging the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

This collaboration, he noted, is crucial for enhancing the safety of local communities and ensuring the success of ongoing operations against banditry and terrorism.

The operation in Taraba is part of a broader effort to address the rising insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East and North-Central regions, where banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts have plagued communities for years.

Taraba, in particular, has been a hotspot for such activities, often exacerbated by its proximity to other conflict-prone areas like Plateau State.

The military’s recent successes, including the reduction of kidnapping and banditry incidents as reported earlier in March 2025, highlight the impact of sustained operations.

However, the persistence of bandit camps and the relatively low number of terrorists neutralized—three out of 70 camps—have raised questions among some observers, as seen in reactions on X, where users expressed skepticism about the operation’s overall effectiveness.

Despite these concerns, the Nigerian Army remains focused on its mission to secure Taraba and ensure a safer environment for its residents.