Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have dismantled a notorious bandit camp in Angwan Bala, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing one bandit in a fierce gun battle.

The operation, carried out on Sunday, also led to the surrender of 23 suspected bandits, including 19 males and four females, after they were overwhelmed by the military’s superior firepower.

Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, confirmed the development, revealing that a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered.

“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits, the gallant troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout,” Oni stated. “On sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from the troops. In the ensuing firefight, one bandit was neutralized, while 23 others surrendered without further resistance.”

During a search of the camp, troops recovered: 4 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 rifle magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 English-made pistol, 2 locally-made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, 48 daggers and jack knives.

Captain Oni also said preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had allegedly paid a local chief in Amar village ₦1.5 million to secure the location for their operations.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to making Taraba State uninhabitable for criminals.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.