Operation Whirl Stroke: Soldiers smash robbery gang, free abducted commuters in Taraba

Operation Whirl Stroke: Soldiers smash robbery gang, free abducted commuters in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 under Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully thwarted a robbery attempt, rescued abducted travellers, and recovered illegal weapons in a series of coordinated missions across Taraba State.

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, disclosed in Jalingo that the operations were executed between 6 and 7 December 2025 in Manya, Kufai Amadu, and Garin Sambo in Takum Local Government Area.

According to him, troops stationed at Manya responded swiftly to a distress call after armed robbers blocked the Manya–Takum Road and began dispossessing commuters. A rapid clearance operation forced the criminals to abandon their weapons and flee.

READ ALSO:

• Anambra Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Attack Lilu Church, Kill One
• NAF Confirms Air Operations in Benin, Says Deployment Followed ECOWAS Protocols
• Gunmen Attack Nawfia Community Market, Multiple Feared Killed in Anambra

Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

In another operation on 7 December, troops at Kufai Amadu rescued two kidnapped travellers who were abducted in Amadu Town while journeying from Bauchi State to Baissa in Kurmi Local Government Area. The victims, identified as Yusuf Musa and Muhammed Umar, were attacked after stopping to ask for directions but later escaped during a search-and-rescue mission.

Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining abducted victims, Musa Danji and Yusuf, as troops intensify forest combing and suspect tracking.

Lieutenant Umar added that on 6 December, soldiers acting on intelligence raided Garin Sambo in Tau Village, Ardo Kola LGA, recovering two pump-action rifles, 13 cartridges, two motorcycles, and four mobile phones. Two suspects, Baba Wura Sambo and Mallam Adamu Darda, were arrested and are currently under investigation.

Operation Whirl Stroke: Soldiers smash robbery gang, free abducted commuters in Taraba