Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended three individuals suspected of carrying out an arson attack in Taraba State, an incident believed to be a deliberate attempt to inflame communal tensions.
Swift Military Response Thwarts Escalation
In the early hours of Tuesday, 2 December 2025, soldiers from the 6 Brigade, also known as Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), moved swiftly to Karim town in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area. Their prompt action followed reports that a house belonging to a Wurkun resident had been set on fire.
The troops successfully arrested the three alleged perpetrators at the scene of the crime. The suspects were identified as Bitrus Ishaya and Mamman Ibrahim, both from the Wudumpi area, and Emmanuel Adi from an area known as Step 2.
False Claims and Inconsistent Stories
According to a statement from the Brigade's Acting Spokesperson, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, preliminary investigations immediately raised red flags about the suspects' accounts. Bitrus and Mamman claimed to be operatives of the Taraba Marshal, a local security outfit, but failed to produce any form of legitimate identification to back their claim.
Similarly, the third suspect, Emmanuel Adi, presented himself as a member of a local vigilante group. However, security officials stated that his statements were contradictory and appeared highly suspicious, casting further doubt on his alleged affiliation.
A Calculated Move to Destabilize Peace
Security sources familiar with the matter indicated that the attack was likely a calculated effort to heighten existing tensions in the area. The region has been experiencing a noticeable increase in communal unease in recent days.
The military emphasized that the rapid deployment and arrest by the troops were critical in preventing the isolated incident from spiraling into wider violence. The three men remain in military custody as authorities work diligently to:
- Verify their true identities.
- Uncover their precise motives for the attack.
- Investigate any potential links to criminal elements operating under the guise of community security personnel.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended his personnel for their alertness and swift response. He reaffirmed the Army's unwavering commitment to preserving peace across Taraba State.
General Uwa issued a stern warning to individuals or groups contemplating actions that could trigger violence or destabilize communities. He also urged residents to maintain calm and continue their vital support for security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities, as part of the ongoing Operation Peace Shield efforts.
