Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised four armed militia members and recovered weapons during an operation to quell renewed communal violence in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
In a statement, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Lieutenant Umar Muhammad said the deployment followed credible intelligence indicating a resurgence of long-standing land disputes between the Shomo and Wurkun communities, which had escalated into armed clashes and the burning of houses. The Army said the swift intervention was aimed at restoring order and preventing further deterioration of the security situation.
Upon arrival in the area, troops reportedly came under fire from armed assailants emerging from the Fadama axis. A brief firefight ensued, during which four attackers were neutralised.
A subsequent sweep of the area led to the recovery of three dane guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles.
In a development highlighting the complexity of the conflict, troops arrested a personnel of the Nigeria Police Force found operating alongside the armed militia. The officer is currently undergoing investigation to determine the extent of his involvement.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements and sustaining operations across Taraba State.
He urged residents of Karim Lamido and surrounding communities to remain calm, embrace peaceful coexistence and continue providing security agencies with timely information.
The Army encouraged the public to report suspicious activities as operations under Peace Shield, Lafiya Nakowa and Zafin Wuta continue.
