Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade have neutralised four suspected militia members and recovered weapons during a targeted operation in Usmanu Village, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. The intervention follows renewed communal clashes linked to a long-standing land dispute between the Shomo and Wurkun communities.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Umar Muhammad, soldiers were deployed after receiving credible intelligence indicating escalating hostilities in the area.
“Upon arrival, the soldiers came under attack from armed assailants operating from the Fadama axis. A brief gunfight ensued, resulting in the deaths of four militia members,” the statement said. During a subsequent sweep of the area, troops recovered three dane guns, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles reportedly used by the armed group to carry out attacks.
In a notable development, the army confirmed the arrest of a serving police officer allegedly found collaborating with the armed group. The officer is currently under investigation to determine his level of involvement in the clashes and whether he provided support to the militia members.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their swift and professional response. He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to restoring peace in Taraba State, stating that security operations would continue until full stability is achieved.
General Uwa urged residents of Karim-Lamido and surrounding communities to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support ongoing operations. He emphasized that coordinated efforts under Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa, and Operation Zafin Wuta are being intensified to curb violence, apprehend criminal elements, and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
The Shomo-Wurkun communal conflict has persisted for years, often fueled by disputes over farmland, grazing rights, and local resources. Security analysts note that armed militias and rogue actors, including some with links to law enforcement, have complicated peacekeeping efforts in Taraba State.
Experts say the incident underscores the need for continuous intelligence gathering, community policing, and stronger collaboration between the military, police, and local leaders to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
The Nigerian Army continues to stress that civilians should remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, as the region remains on high alert following the recent clashes.
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