In a dramatic security development, troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a police officer who was operating alongside an armed militia group during violent communal clashes in Taraba State.
Operation Details and Confrontation
The incident occurred in Usmanu village, located within Karim Lamido Local Government Area, where military personnel launched a rapid response operation to address escalating violence between two communities.
According to official statements released on Sunday, November 30, 2025, by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, the operation resulted in four armed militia members being neutralized during intense exchanges of fire.
The military intervention was triggered by credible intelligence indicating a dangerous resurgence of long-standing land disputes between the Shomo and Wurkun communities. The conflict had escalated into armed confrontations and widespread destruction of property, including numerous houses set ablaze.
Weapons Recovery and Police Involvement
Following the engagement with armed assailants who emerged from the Fadama axis, troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area that yielded significant weapons recovery.
The security forces successfully retrieved three dane guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, twenty-five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles from the scene of the confrontation.
In what authorities describe as a development highlighting the complexity of the conflict, personnel identified one Nigeria Police Force officer was taken into custody after being discovered operating alongside the armed militia group. The arrested officer is currently undergoing detailed investigation and profiling to determine the extent of his involvement with the militant group.
Military Leadership Response and Community Assurance
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Commander of 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their prompt response, demonstrated bravery, and strict adherence to professional rules of engagement during the operation.
The Brigade Commander reaffirmed the military's determination to rid Taraba State of criminal elements and maintain operational momentum across all areas of responsibility. He provided assurances to the people of Karim Lamido and Taraba State at large regarding the Brigade's unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.
Community leaders and residents have been urged to embrace peaceful coexistence and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious activities. The Nigerian Army has called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding as stability operations continue under multiple security initiatives including Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa, and Operation Zafin Wuta.
