Army recovers 91 rustled cattle, dislodges armed criminals in Taraba

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.

The achievement, according to the statement made available to journalists in Jalingo, on Thursday, by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Umar Muhammad, 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 operations targeted suspected armed herdsmen and other 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. The livestock was secured to prevent further use by criminal elements, ” the statement read.

The following day, the troops also confirmed to have engaged terrorists in Zambana Forest and Ayu Village, forcing them to retreat further into the forest.

The operations, according to the troops, weakened the criminals’ operational capabilities and allowed displaced farmers to safely harvest and evacuate their crops, previously hindered by fear of attacks.

Addressing troops and residents, Brigade Commander Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustained operations in Southern Taraba, particularly with the yuletide season approaching.

He directed anyone claiming ownership of the recovered cattle to report to 93 Battalion in Takum for verification and stressed that no livestock will be released without compensating farmers whose farmlands were damaged.

Brigadier General Uwa condemned the violence perpetrated by marauding herders, calling 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 emphasized that Operation Zafin Wuta remains focused on dismantling criminal networks, protecting farming communities, restoring law and order, and ensuring that livestock activities do not threaten peace or food security.