Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have dislodged armed criminals and recovered 91 rustled cattle in Southern Taraba.

According to a statement released to journalists in Jalingo by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the operation is part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.

“Between November 24 and 25, 2025, the Brigade conducted clearance operations across Akesha, Zambana Forest, and Ayu Village in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas,” the statement said. The operations targeted suspected armed herdsmen and criminal groups responsible for attacks on farmlands, displacement of residents, and disruption of agricultural activities.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced on identified hideouts, prompting the criminals to flee. During operations in Akesha on November 24, soldiers recovered 91 abandoned cattle grazing on farmlands, securing them to prevent further misuse by criminal elements. The following day, troops engaged terrorists in Zambana Forest and Ayu Village, forcing them deeper into the forest.

The operations reportedly weakened the criminals’ operational capabilities, allowing displaced farmers to safely harvest and evacuate their crops.

Addressing troops and residents, Brigade Commander Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustained operations in Southern Taraba, especially with the yuletide season approaching. He instructed anyone claiming ownership of the recovered cattle to report to 93 Battalion in Takum for verification and emphasized that no livestock would be released without compensating farmers whose farmlands were damaged.

Brigadier General Uwa condemned violence by marauding herders, labeling it a major driver of insecurity in Takum and surrounding areas. He urged herders migrating into Taraba from other states to register with traditional rulers and local authorities to prevent conflicts and maintain peace.

He further stated that Operation Zafin Wuta remains focused on dismantling criminal networks, protecting farming communities, restoring law and order, and ensuring livestock activities do not threaten peace or food security.