The 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke has apprehended a 73-year-old suspected bandit informant, Alhaji Buba Maru, in Bakin Dutse, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba.
The Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement released in Jalingo.
According to the statement, the arrest followed the launch of a clearance operation aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts across the state, ensuring safety during the ongoing harvest season and ahead of the festive period.
The operation, led by Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Brigade Commander, commenced on Sunday and focused on notorious bandit flashpoints in the Bakin Dutse Mountains in Sunkani.
Part of the statement read: “Troops discovered several hideouts and arrested Maru, accused of allocating land to bandits for their criminal activities.
“The operation extended to Kona and Lau Mountains and the surrounding areas, yielding significant results in neutralising threats.
“On Monday, the operation progressed to Yorro and Zing LGAs, clearing additional camps and high-risk areas.
“During the operation, the troops apprehended a 73-year-old suspected bandit informant, Alhaji Buba Maru, in Bakin Dutse, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba. Investigations are still ongoing, and the suspect will be handed over to a relevant sister security agency for prosecution.
“The team also visited the Chairmen of the affected LGAs to reinforce the operation’s purpose. During the visits, the Brigade Commander assured them of the Army’s commitment to enabling farmers to harvest their crops without fear and allowing residents to enjoy a peaceful festive season.”
The affected Local Government Chairmen, in their separate remarks, praised the 6 Brigade for its proactive measures, stating that the operations have restored confidence and allowed residents to sleep peacefully.