Troops Push Deeper Into Southern Taraba, Dislodge Terrorists in Ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta
Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have intensified their crackdown on armed groups in southern Taraba, clearing major hideouts in Zambana Forest and Ayu village in Donga Local Government Area.
The renewed offensive, conducted under the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta, is part of a sustained effort to dismantle criminal networks responsible for years of banditry, kidnappings and deadly attacks across the region.
According to military sources, the latest push forced several armed elements to flee their camps as troops advanced through the dense forest corridors that have long served as safe havens for terrorist and bandit groups.
Commanders described the operation as a continuation of coordinated clearance missions launched in recent weeks, aimed at denying criminals freedom of movement and rooting out enclaves believed to house insurgents, kidnappers and illegal arms.
The brigade leadership praised the troops for what it called “professionalism and resilience,” noting that the offensive is yielding “tangible progress” against violent groups destabilizing rural communities.
Recent arrests linked to the operation, including that of an alleged kidnapping kingpin, have been highlighted by the military as evidence that the operation is successfully disrupting criminal networks.
Security analysts say the push in southern Taraba is critical, given the area’s increasing vulnerability to organised banditry and cross-regional movements of armed groups.
While the army maintains that the operation is being executed with precision, independent verification from major media outlets remains limited due to restricted access to the affected forest zones.
Nevertheless, communities in Donga and surrounding areas are hopeful that the continued pressure will restore a measure of safety after years of insecurity.
Operation Zafin Wuta remains ongoing as troops continue their sweep of difficult terrain, searching for remaining pockets of resistance and attempting to prevent fleeing armed groups from regrouping.
