Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Army has disclosed that bandits operating in Taraba State paid a local chief a sum of N1.5 million to establish their notorious camp in the Amar area.
The disclosure came after a successful operation by the Nigerian Army that led to the destruction of the bandit camp and the neutralization of one bandit.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the operation also resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Capt. Olubodunde Oni, made the announcement in a statement released on Monday, February 3, 2025.
According to Oni, the operation took place on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in the Angwan Bala, Kambari general area of Karim Lamido Local Government Area, a region that has been a hotspot for bandit activities.
Acting on credible intelligence about the movements of suspected bandits in the area, the Nigerian Army dispatched a fighting patrol to the identified hideout.
As the patrol team approached the camp, the bandits opened fire, forcing the troops to respond with overwhelming force.
The ensuing gun battle resulted in the death of one bandit, while 23 others, including 19 males and four females, surrendered to the soldiers without further resistance.
During a comprehensive search of the camp, the troops uncovered a large quantity of weapons and other criminal paraphernalia.
The recovered arms included four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 rifle magazines, and 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Additionally, the Army recovered one English-made pistol, two locally-made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, and 48 daggers and jack knives, which are commonly used by bandits for their violent activities.
In what appears to be a deeply concerning development, preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits were originally from Plateau State.
The bandits had reportedly paid a local chief in Amar village the sum of N1.5 million to secure a location in the region for their camp.
The Nigerian Army emphasized that the operation was part of a broader strategy to eradicate criminal elements from Taraba State and ensure that the area does not become a safe haven for terrorists and other bandits.
Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, the Brigade Commander overseeing the operation, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to securing the state and its environs.
“This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminate criminal elements, restore lasting peace, and ensure that Taraba does not become a safe haven for terrorists,” Brig.-Gen. Uwa said.
He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies.
“The critical role of community cooperation in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality cannot be over-emphasized,” Uwa added, stressing the need for joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the state.
The operation has been hailed as a significant success, but it also raises questions about the complicity of local authorities in the proliferation of banditry.
The Nigerian Army has promised to continue working tirelessly with other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Taraba State and the broader region.
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