Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised four armed militia members and recovered weapons in a swift response to renewed communal violence in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating a resurgence of longstanding land disputes between the Shomo and Wurkun communities.
According to a statement on Sunday by the Army’s Public Relations Officer, Lt. Umar Mohammed, the dispute escalated into armed clashes that led to the destruction of property, including the burning of houses.
He said troops deployed to the area came under fire from armed assailants emerging from the Fadama axis. A brief but fierce exchange ensued, during which the soldiers neutralised four attackers.
A mop-up of the area led to the recovery of three dane guns, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles.
In a twist highlighting the complexity of the conflict, one personnel of the Nigeria Police Force found operating alongside the militia was arrested. The officer is currently undergoing investigation and profiling.
The Commander, 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to eliminating criminal elements and ensuring lasting peace in Taraba State.
Brig.-Gen. Uwa urged residents of Karim Lamido and neighbouring communities to embrace peaceful coexistence and continue providing security agencies with credible information.
The Nigerian Army also called on the public to remain calm and report suspicious activities as operations continue under Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa and Operation Zafin Wuta.
