The Nigerian Army has announced that troops of the 6 Brigade have foiled an armed militia attack in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The Service also revealed that no fewer than four assailants were killed, and weapons were recovered during the swift operation aimed at containing renewed communal unrest.
Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said the deployment followed credible intelligence that longstanding land tensions between the Shomo and Wurkun communities had flared up once again.
The dispute, he explained, had escalated into violent confrontations and the destruction of property, including the burning of several homes, prompting the Army to intervene to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the troops were ambushed by armed men advancing from the Fadama axis. A brief but fierce exchange of fire ensued, during which four militia members were neutralised. A subsequent clearance operation 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 development that underscores the complexity of the crisis, a personnel of the Nigeria Police Force found operating alongside the armed group was arrested and is currently being investigated to determine his level of involvement.
Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their timely response, professionalism and courage under fire.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements across Taraba State and sustaining operations designed to safeguard lives and restore stability.
He also urged communities in the region to embrace peaceful coexistence and to continue supporting security agencies with credible, timely information.
The Nigerian Army assured the public that normalcy is steadily returning and appealed for calm, noting that ongoing operations under Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa and Operation Zafin Wuta will continue to reinforce security across the state.
Linus Aleke
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