During the operation, three terrorists were reportedly eliminated, and security forces recovered firearms and logistical supplies.

The Nigerian Army says it has destroyed over 70 camps used by bandits in Taraba State, as part of a continued effort to combat terrorism in the region.

During the operation, three terrorists were reportedly eliminated, and security forces recovered firearms and logistical supplies.

SaharaReporters learnt that the military engaged the terrorists at a hideout in Achelle, situated within the Karim Lamido Local Government Area, as part of their ongoing efforts to dismantle the remaining elements of terrorist groups in the state.

Captain Oni Olubodunde, spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, confirmed the operation, stating that its primary objective was to identify and neutralise dangerous criminals active in the area.

Olubodunde further reported that, in addition to eliminating the three terrorists, security personnel seized an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and two motorcycles during the operation, which took place on April 5, 2025.

“In continuation of Operation Lafiya Jama’a, a military offensive to remove criminal elements from Taraba State, the brave troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) successfully neutralised three bandits, destroyed several camps, and seized weapons and ammunition during a daring clearance operation conducted in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area on April 5, 2025,” said Olubodunde.

The operation targeted suspected bandit hideouts, beginning in Achelle, where troops carried out a thorough sweep before advancing to Chibi.

As forces reportedly approached Chibi, the bandits attempted to escape but were intercepted. In the ensuing clash, three bandits were eliminated, and multiple makeshift camps were destroyed. Security personnel also seized two motorcycles, an AK-47 magazine, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Furthermore, troops conducted extensive searches in the Dutsen Zaki and Achalle areas, where over 70 criminal camps have been dismantled in recent weeks.

According to Olubodunde, no signs of human activity were detected during this latest operation, underscoring the effectiveness of previous security efforts.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their dedication and strategic execution. He reassured the people of Taraba State that terrorists and criminals would find no refuge in the region.

General Uwa also urged residents to remain vigilant while going about their daily activities without fear. He emphasised the importance of maintaining law and order.

He encouraged the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that such cooperation is essential for ensuring the safety of local communities.

Armed herdsmen in their continuous assault on Benue State communities have attacked Otobi Community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of the state, forcing residents to abandon their homes, farms and flee.

Otobi is the hometown of former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark, a retired Brigadier-General, served as the 12th President of the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 2015 and was the longest serving Senate President.

Sources at the weekend revealed that the villagers, currently under attack, are now evacuating from their homes.

“Herdsmen are killing residents of Otobi in Otukpo LGA Benue State. They killed one last night and went round the community shooting. They are promising to attack again tonight,” a top source revealed.

“Villagers are evacuating. There is panic everywhere. This is same community where David Mark came from,” another source added.

The insecurity situation in Benue has been alarming in recent weeks with attacks from gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.

Recall during the week reported that some gunmen killed two persons and abducted 13 passengers near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The development was confirmed by the management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited in a statement issued by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel.

He had said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted passengers.

Confirming the incident, the Police Spokesperson for Benue State, SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, had acknowledged the attack and stated that more details would be provided soon.

“A kidnap incident involving a Benue Links vehicle has been reported. More details will be made available shortly,” she had said.

There are indications that Nigerians would pay less for the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, as the price of Brent dropped to $65 per barrel from $69.90 per barrel in the global market.

The price of Brent is used globally to benchmark the prices of other crudes – major feedstocks – and by extension petroleum products prices.

Checks by Sunday Vanguard indicated that the development was partly fueled by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs.

The checks further showed that it was also fueled by the decision of the Organisation of Oil Producing Countries and its allies to increase oil output by 410,000 barrels per day starting May 2025 far above the 135,000 barrels originally planned.

Slash
Already, the depot prices of Mainland, A.Y.M and Ever have dropped to N918 per litre from N920 and N919 from N920 per litre, respectively.

Also, the depot prices of Prudent, Eterna and Soroman have dropped to N912 from N913 per litre, N897 from N900 per litre and N915 from N916 per litre, respectively.

According to petroleumprice.ng, oil marketers would likely adjust their pump prices downwards as they get new supplies this week, if the current market condition persists.

Fares

In a telephone interview with Sunday Vanguard, weekend, the President of Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, Billy Gillis-Harry, expressed optimism that the development would culminate in low costs of fares, goods and services if the fundamentals persist in the market.

Meanwhile, in a report, OPEC stated: “The eight OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 3 April 2025, to review global market conditions and outlook.

“In view of the continuing healthy market fundamentals and the positive market outlook, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on 5 December 2024, subsequently reaffirmed on 3 March 2025, to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from 1 April 2025, the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 411 thousand barrels per day, equivalent to three monthly increments, in May 2025.

“This comprises the increment originally planned for May in addition to two monthly increments. The gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions. This flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability. The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation.

“The eight countries reaffirmed their commitment to the voluntary production adjustments agreed at the 53rd Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, JMMC meeting on 3 April 2024. They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate any overproduced volume since January 2024 and to submit updated front-loaded compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by 15 April 2025.”