Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attack on Kweserti village in Taraba State, killing two armed bandits.
The troops, who acted on intelligence, were able to thwart the attack following a fierce gun battle with the militias.
The ensuing confrontation by the troops forced the militias to retreat in disarray.
A statement posted on X by the Nigerian Army on Thursday said arms and ammunition were recovered from the militias during the operation.
The Army also disclosed that clearance operations were conducted in other communities in Taraba State.
The post read, “The troops of 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, acting on credible intelligence, carried out clearance operations in Rikwenmakpawere and Alaha villages in Ussa Local Government Area. A foiled attack at Kweserti village prompted the swift response of the troops, who engaged the armed militias with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
“During the operation, two extremists were neutralized, and one AK-47 magazine along with seven rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered from the fleeing militants.”
The Army also said two terrorists were arrested during a separate operation in Lau Local Government Area.
“In Lau Local Government Area, troops of 114 Battalion Sub-Sector 3C made significant strides in combating violent extremism by apprehending two suspected extremists.
“Subsequent interrogation of the suspects led to the recovery of additional weapons, including 1 SMG rifle, one single-barrel gun, two AK-47 magazines, and 51 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” the post added.
Militia attacks on communities in Taraba have been on the rise recently. On Tuesday, militias killed two persons in Gbuo village, Akate Ward, in Donga Local Government Council of Taraba State.
In March 2024, militias ambushed a bus carrying 10 passengers at the Taraba-Benue border along the Wukari-Zaki Biam Highway.
