By Keke,November 27,2025.
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded fresh breakthroughs in the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta, dislodging armed terrorists and recovering 91 rustled cattle during intensified clearance operations across parts of Southern Taraba.
The operations, carried out between 24 and 25 November 2025, covered Akesha, Zambana Forest and Ayu Village in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas. According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the operations targeted armed herdsmen and criminal elements responsible for recurring attacks on communities, destruction of farmlands and displacement of residents.
Troops, acting on credible intelligence, advanced on the criminals’ hideouts, forcing them to flee on sight. At Akesha village on 24 November, soldiers recovered 91 rustled cattle abandoned by the fleeing suspects while grazing on farmlands. The Brigade said the recovery was crucial in disrupting the criminals’ logistics and preventing further destruction of crops.
On the following day, 25 November, troops made contact with terrorists in Zambana Forest and Ayu Village, where they engaged the criminals with “superior firepower,” compelling them to abandon their positions and retreat deeper into the forest. The assault, according to the statement, further weakened the terrorists’ capacity to launch attacks.
The clearance operations also paved the way for displaced farmers to safely retrieve their harvested crops—an activity previously suspended due to fear of attacks.
Addressing troops and residents after the operations, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining aggressive kinetic operations across Southern Taraba, especially as the yuletide season approaches. He emphasized that the brigade would continue to dominate the area to ensure lasting peace and security.
On the recovered cattle, Brigadier General Uwa directed individuals claiming ownership to report to 93 Battalion headquarters in Takum for proper identification. He stressed that no cattle would be released until rightful owners compensate farmers whose farmlands were damaged.
The Commander condemned the violence associated with marauding herders, describing their activities as a major source of insecurity in Takum and surrounding areas. He warned herders migrating into Taraba from neighbouring states to register with traditional rulers and local authorities before settling in any community—a measure he said was vital to preventing conflict.
He reiterated that Operation Zafin Wuta remains focused on flushing out criminal networks, securing farming communities and ensuring that livestock activities do not threaten peace and food security in Southern Taraba.
The Nigerian Army urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding communities.
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