Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have successfully dismantled bandit hideouts and apprehended a notorious arms dealer in a series of coordinated operations across Taraba and Plateau states.
Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, March 23, 2025. He confirmed that troops also captured a high-profile bandit leader, Adamu Yakubu, also known as “No Money No Guy.”
According to the statement, intelligence reports link Yakubu to multiple cases of banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and violent crimes across Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State and southern Taraba.
Additionally, troops raided the residences of two notorious gunrunners, Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu, alias “Arewa Mafia,” in Mararraba Donga, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, seizing a cache of weapons.
Operations and Key Arrests
The statement detailed the army’s ongoing offensive under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa, in collaboration with Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke and Sector 2 of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).
March 22, 2025: Troops launched a strategic assault on Achalle, a border town between Karim Lamido LGA (Taraba) and Wase LGA (Plateau). Engaging with bandits, they successfully overpowered them, seizing a motorcycle before advancing on another major hideout.
At the second location, a suspected hub housing over 70 huts, the troops encountered resistance but forced the criminals to flee. Another motorcycle and an international passport belonging to a suspect, Muhammadu Dahiru, were recovered. The entire camp was destroyed.
Troops then advanced to Dutsen Zaki high ground, neutralizing several threats and securing the area.
In a related development:
March 16, 2025: Acting on credible intelligence, troops raided the homes of known gunrunners, Irimiya Aboki and Tanko Adamu, in Mararraba Donga. While the suspects escaped, a thorough search led to the recovery of four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges.
March 20, 2025: Troops arrested a suspected member of a major arms-smuggling syndicate in Donga LGA. The suspect, Alhaji Mansur Mohammad, was caught with ₦1.2 million, allegedly intended for purchasing illegal firearms. Investigations traced the funds back to sponsors in Bauchi State.
Same day, March 20: Troops captured high-profile bandit leader Adamu Yakubu (“No Money No Guy”). Intelligence linked him and six associates to a brutal attack on March 10, 2025, at Tse-Shiikaa village (Katsina-Ala LGA), which resulted in two deaths, one critical injury, and multiple casualties from gunshot and machete wounds.
Army’s Commitment to Security
Commending the troops, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, praised their dedication and professionalism. He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations until banditry and other criminal activities are eradicated.
General Uwa urged the public to stay vigilant and provide security agencies with credible intelligence to enhance safety and peace across the region.
