Horrifying As Troops Engage In A Gunfight With Bandits 

It was horrifying as troops engaged in a gunfight with bandits. Troops from the Nigerian Army 6th Brigade took on bandits in a shootout in  Geshi Village along Rafin Kada road in Damisa Ward of Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The recent firefight engagement between the troops of the Nigerian Army and the emboldened bandits is unexpected or surprising as Nigeria as a Sovereign State has been confronted with a myriad of security challenges, ranging from terrorism to banditry and multiple secessionist agitations.

Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) In Action

Diverse non-state actors’ constant attacks on Nigerian security architecture are undermining the nation’s security, and the Federal Government must urgently rise to the occasion and engage in both Kinetic and non-kinetic means to solve the problem. 

The federal government’s continued inability to control the situation will trigger unintended consequences in all aspects of the nation’s economic sphere. 

We are beginning to experience consequential occurrences, such as food scarcity, insecurity, and widespread citizen agitation. 

Two days ago in Taraba, the capital city of Taraba State, it was not a day to forget easily as the men of the Nigerian Army, under the 6th Brigade, rose to the occasion, engaged in a gun duel with bandits, eventually arrested two bandits causing terror in the area.

It was a determined operation by the 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Strike (OPWS) to engage in a gun battle with bandits in Geshi Village along Rafin Kada road in Damisa Ward of Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State.

During the firefights, two notorious terrorists who had been terrorizing the community were apprehended, and a 9-year-old girl was also reported to have been found by the squad.

In his speech, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, Acting Assistant Director of 6th Brigade Army Public Relations, disclosed in a briefing on Sunday, July 14, 2024, that the troops engaged in a fierce shootout with the bandits, arrested two of them and also found a 9-year-old pupil, Miss Dorothy Kwatsumen, who was wandering around the community in Yorro LGA of the state.

The Acting Assistant Director, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, further said that two motorcycles, being used to aid their mobility and nefarious activities, were also recovered from the bandits.

Bandits Shooting Sporadically

He further said, “The operation, conducted by the troops deployed in Akate in Donga Local Government Area, occurred following intelligence reports that revealed an attack in Geshi Village by armed terrorists.”

Acting on this information, troops swiftly mobilized to the area. They engaged the armed men in a fierce exchange of gun battle, ultimately overpowering the terrorists with superior firepower and subduing them, forcing the criminals to flee in disarray into the bush with gunshot wounds.

The Lieutenant also said that “Troop continued to explore the success by pursuing the miscreants and arrested two terrorists with their motorcycles. The captured terrorists are currently under custody for interrogation.”

Two Bandits  Arrested By  The Nigerian Army

Addressing the media after the operation, the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Commander and Sector 3 OPWS praised the military men for their courage, audacity, timely response, and dedication to the service.

He stated, “This operation is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our troops to ensure the state is free of kidnapping, banditry, and other criminality in our society.

 He affirmed that the Brigade will continue intensifying efforts to rid Taraba State of criminal elements.”

He continued by imploring the general public to maintain vigilance and not hesitate to report suspicious activity within their community and neighbourhood. 

He assured the people that 6 Brigade remains committed to the safety and security of all Taraba State residents.

Significant Causes Of Insecurity In Nigeria

Findings have revealed that the causes of insecurity in Nigeria are the menace of unemployment and poverty, elite exploitation of ethnicity and religious differences, corruption, weak security apparatus, porous border, marginalization and inequality in the country, and bad governance and poor leadership.

It remains to be seen if these unfortunate security issues can be arrested to ensure that Nigerians finally enjoy the dividends of Democracy. 

In another story, a nine-year-old girl named Dorothy Kwatsumen was found by the 6th  Brigade while on routine patrol in the area, loitering and roaming about in her school uniform in the Gongomaliki area, Yorro LGA of Taraba State.

The Little Girl Rescued By The 6th Brigade

Introductory findings and all efforts made to ascertain the name of the school where the young lady attends and the location of where her parents could be were unsuccessful.

The soldiers took her to the headquarters for safety and security, pending the location and contact of her parents or guardians.

A few moments later, the stripes, mode, and colour of her uniform revealed that she was a pupil of Glory Children Academy in the area.

The Squad visited the school to verify the information received. 

On arriving, the Head Teacher told them that the girl had been missing for about a day, and the case had immediately been reported to the Jalingo Police Division.