By Deborah Nnamdi
Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised four armed militia members and recovered weapons in a swift operation to quell renewed communal violence in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The intervention followed credible intelligence indicating a resurgence of a long-standing land dispute between the Shomo and Wurkun communities, which recently escalated into armed clashes and the burning of houses. The 6 Brigade deployed personnel immediately to prevent further bloodshed and restore calm.
In a statement on Sunday, the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, said troops came under attack upon arriving in the area, as armed assailants opened fire from the Fadama axis. The soldiers engaged the gunmen in a brief but intense confrontation, neutralising four of them.
A subsequent sweep 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 that highlights the complexity of the crisis, one officer of the Nigeria Police Force was found operating alongside the armed militia and was promptly arrested. The officer is currently undergoing an investigation to determine his level of involvement.
The Commander, 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and quick response. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to rid Taraba of criminal elements while sustaining operational momentum across all areas of responsibility.
General Uwa assured residents of Karim Lamido and the wider Taraba community of the Army’s commitment to restoring lasting peace. He urged community members to embrace peaceful coexistence and provide security agencies with credible information.
The Nigerian Army also appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding as stability returns, encouraging the public to report suspicious activities to security formations under ongoing operations, including Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa, and Operation Zafin Wuta.
