Troops Neutralise 4 Militants in Taraba

Rita Enemuru, Reporting

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

According to a statement made available to Stonix News, the troops were deployed after intelligence revealed a resurgence of the long-standing land dispute between the Shomo and Wurkun communities, which had escalated into armed clashes and the burning of houses.

The statement signed by the Army Public Relations, Umar Muhammad was posted on the official Facebook page of the Nigerian Army on Sunday.

According to the statement, soldiers came under fire from armed assailants emerging from the Fadama axis, leading to a brief but fierce exchange that resulted in four of the attackers being neutralised.

It was stated that a sweep of the area afterwards led to the recovery of three dane guns, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles.

One personnel of the Nigeria Police Force found operating alongside the militia was also arrested and is undergoing investigation.

The Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift response, bravery and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the Brigade’s determination to rid Taraba State of criminal elements and maintain security across all areas of responsibility.

He assured the people of Karim Lamido of the Brigade’s commitment to restoring lasting peace.

He further assured the people of Taraba State that stability is gradually returning as operations continue.

The Brigade also assured residents that the Nigerian Army remains focused on restoring peace in Taraba State.

He urged all communities across Taraba State to remain calm, law-abiding, and to report suspicious activities as Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa, and Operation Zafin Wuta continue.

“Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised four armed militia members and recovered weapons during a rapid and coordinated 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 long-standing land disputes between the Shomo and Wurkun communities.

“The dispute escalated into armed clashes, resulting in the destruction of property, including the burning of houses. In response, 6 Brigade immediately deployed forces to restore order and prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

“Upon reaching the area, the troops came under fire from armed assailants emerging from the Fadama axis. A brief but fierce exchange ensued, during which the soldiers neutralised four of the attackers.

“Subsequent 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 wo motorcycles

“In a development that underscores the complexity of the conflict, one personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) found operating alongside the armed militia was arrested. He is currently undergoing further investigation and profiling to determine his level of involvement.

“Commenting on the operation, the Commander, 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their prompt response, bravery, and adherence to professional rules of engagement.

“He reaffirmed the Brigade’s determination to rid Taraba State of criminal elements and maintain operational momentum across all areas of responsibility,” the statement read.