Military to protect northern farmers during harvest

The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke has promised to provide security for farmers in Taraba and neighbouring states in the North to harvest their crops without fears of attacks by bandits.

This was the military said it apprehended a 73-year-old suspected bandit informant, Alhaji Buba Maru, in the Bakin Dutse, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement released in Jalingo.

According to the statement, the arrest followed the launch of a clearance operation aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts across the state, ensuring safety during the ongoing harvest season and ahead of the Yuletide.

The operation, led by Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, the Brigade Commander, according to the statement, began on Sunday, focusing on notorious bandit flashpoints in the Bakin Dutse Mountains in Sunkani.

Oni said, “Troops discovered several hideouts and arrested Maru, accused of allocating land to bandits for their criminal activities.

“The operation extended to Kona and Lau mountains and the surrounding areas, yielding significant results in neutralising threats.

“On Monday, the operation progressed to Yorro and Zing LGAs, clearing additional camps and high-risk areas. During the operation, the troops apprehended a 73-year-old suspected bandit informant, Alhaji Buba Maru, in Bakin Dutse, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba. Investigation is still ongoing and the suspect will be handed over to the relevant sister security agency for prosecution.”

The military spokesman said the team also visited the chairmen of the affected local government areas to reinforce the operation’s purpose.

“During the visits, the Brigade Commander assured them of the army’s commitment to allowing farmers to harvest their crops without fear and enabling residents to enjoy a peaceful festive season,” he said.