Troops Kill Four Militia, Recover Weapons In Taraba

By Emmanuel Kwada

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised four armed militia members and recovered a cache of weapons during a swift operation to quell renewed communal violence in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The clash erupted from a resurgence of long-standing land disputes between the Shomo and Wurkun communities, which quickly escalated into armed confrontation and the burning of several houses.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops were rapidly deployed to the area to prevent further bloodshed and restore law and order.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, disclosed that upon arrival, soldiers came under heavy gunfire from armed assailants who emerged from the Fadama axis.

A fierce but brief exchange of fire followed, resulting in the neutralisation of four militia members.

During subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered three locally made dane guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, twenty-five rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and two motorcycles used by the attackers.

In a shocking twist, one serving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force was arrested while allegedly operating alongside the armed militia. The officer is currently in military custody undergoing investigation and profiling.

Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their professionalism, bravery, and strict adherence to the rules of engagement.

He reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to eliminate all forms of criminality in Taraba State and urged the Shomo and Wurkun communities to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

“Security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property. We call on citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to help us sustain the gains already recorded,” Brig Gen Uwa said.

The Nigerian Army assured residents of Karim Lamido and the entire state that normalcy is being restored and urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding.

Operations continue under the combined mandates of Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa, and Operation Zafi to ensure lasting peace across the region.