By Nkechi Eze
Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised four armed militia members and recovered a cache of weapons in a rapid and coordinated response to renewed communal violence in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, according to an official signed statement by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, was triggered by credible intelligence indicating a resurgence of long-standing land disputes between the Shomo and Wurkun communities. The dispute, which has simmered for years, escalated into armed clashes that led to the destruction of property, including the burning of houses, prompting immediate military intervention to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
Lieutenant Muhammad explained that troops were swiftly deployed to the troubled area to restore normalcy. However, upon arriving at the scene, the soldiers came under heavy fire from armed assailants emerging from the Fadama axis. A brief but fierce exchange of gunfire followed, during which the troops neutralised four of the attackers while maintaining their defensive posture and pushing back the aggression.
A subsequent sweep and exploitation of the area led to the recovery of three dane guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, twenty-five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the militia members. In a development that further highlights the complexity of the conflict, one personnel of the Nigeria Police Force was found operating alongside the armed militia group. He was immediately arrested and is currently undergoing thorough investigation and profiling to determine the extent of his involvement.
The Commander, 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their prompt response, bravery and strict adherence to professional rules of engagement despite the intensity of the situation. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s determination to rid Taraba State of criminal elements and sustain operational momentum across all its areas of responsibility.
Brigadier General Uwa also assured the people of Karim Lamido and the wider Taraba State community of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability. He appealed to residents to embrace peaceful coexistence, avoid actions that may escalate tensions, and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The Nigerian Army urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding as stability gradually returns to the affected areas. Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security formation, noting that ongoing operations under Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa and Operation Zafin Wuta will continue until total normalcy is restored.
