In a shocking revelation, Sahara Reporters has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that the Nigerian Army has uncovered a disturbing case of collusion between a traditional ruler and criminal elements in Taraba State. A village head in Amar, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, allegedly collected ₦1.5 million from bandits to provide them with a safe haven, leading to the establishment of a terrorist camp within his domain.
The military’s operation, carried out on Sunday, February 2, at Angwan-Bala, led to the arrest of 23 suspected bandits, including four women, and the recovery of a massive cache of weapons. According to Captain Oni Olubodunde, spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, the criminals had relocated from Plateau State before being harbored by the village head.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops launched a daring operation to dismantle the criminal enclave. As the soldiers advanced, the bandits opened fire, triggering a fierce gunfight. In the exchange, one bandit was neutralized, while 23 others, including 19 men and four women, surrendered without further resistance.
A subsequent search of the camp uncovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including:
Four AK-47 rifles
Five AK-47 rifle magazines
80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
One English-made pistol
Two locally made guns
28 cutlasses
48 daggers and jackknives
16 motorcycles
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the bandits had indeed paid the local chief ₦1.5 million to secure the camp and operate freely in the area.
Military Vows to Crush Terrorism in Taraba
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their swift and decisive action. He reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to eliminating criminal elements and restoring peace in Taraba State.
“This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminate terrorists and criminal networks attempting to destabilize the region. Taraba State will not become a safe haven for criminals. We will continue to work tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to sustain the fight against insecurity,” Brigadier General Uwa declared.
This latest crackdown underscores the deepening security challenges in Nigeria’s Northeast, where criminal syndicates continue to exploit local support networks. The involvement of a traditional leader in facilitating terrorism has sparked widespread concern, raising questions about the extent of collusion between some community figures and violent groups.
As security forces intensify their efforts, the Nigerian Army has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that no one, regardless of status, will be spared if found aiding or abetting criminals.
PIONEER NEWS 