Troops Arrest Wanted Bandits and Military Impersonator in Taraba Operations

Troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have achieved significant operational successes in Taraba State, resulting in the arrest of a wanted bandit, a notorious military imposter, and the recovery of weapons and ammunition.

These operations are part of the ongoing internal security campaign, Operation LAFIYAN JAMAA, aimed at eliminating criminal elements in the region.

According to a statement from the Army, on April 16, troops responded to a distress call from a local hunter and raided a suspected bandit camp at Dutsen Kachalla in Lainde, Lau Local Government Area.

The suspects fled upon sighting the troops, who recovered an AK-47 magazine, a rifle butt, military headgear, and a National ID card belonging to one Adamu Umaru Jauro.

On April 19, based on credible intelligence, troops arrested Yusuf Hammadu, also known as “Dogo,” in Lainde Jessy, also in Lau LGA.

Hammadu had been on the security agencies’ watchlist for his alleged involvement in kidnapping and ransom activities across Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, and Yorro LGAs. Initial interrogation revealed that he was part of a notorious criminal syndicate.

In a separate operation on April 22, troops apprehended Richard Ongu for impersonating a military officer. Ongu, who falsely claimed to be a Major in the Nigerian Army, was revealed to be a discharged Flight Sergeant of the Nigerian Air Force, having been dismissed in 2019.

The suspect, Richard Ongu, allegedly defrauded individuals by impersonating military personnel. He is reported to have exchanged his Nissan Jeep for a Toyota Corolla valued at N5.2 million from a car dealer under false pretenses, and also collected N1.6 million as part payment for 350 bags of Beniseed.

Additionally, Ongu extorted money from residents in Bali and Gassol LGAs by falsely claiming to recruit their children into the Nigerian Army, and he attempted to procure firearms illegally.

On April 24, in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), troops conducted a raid at Jatau-Nyimu village in Donga LGA. During the operation, they recovered 86 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a Tarvor magazine, four cartridges, a Beofeng handheld radio, three single-barrel guns, and two military camouflage uniforms.

Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Commander of 6 Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and resilience. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in Taraba.

The Commander also issued a warning to the public against dealing with imposters or individuals who ask for money in exchange for military recruitment, stressing that enlistment in the Nigerian Army is voluntary, free, and merit-based.