In Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria, a village Head has been accused of helping terrorists by providing them with a hideout in exchange for N1.5 million. This occurred on Sunday, February 2, in the Angwan-Bala area of Karim Lamido Local Government.
The Nigerian Army acted on intelligence about the bandits’ location and launched a military operation to stop them.
The spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, Captain Oni Olubodunde, discloses that a local chief had harbored the terrorists in exchange for N1.5 million.
He said, “Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits, the gallant troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout.
He confirmed that when the soldiers arrived, the bandits fired at them, triggering a firefight.
During the clash, one bandit was killed, and 23 others—19 men and 4 women—surrendered to the troops. The soldiers searched the camp and recovered many weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, five magazines, 80 rounds of ammunition, a pistol, locally made guns, cutlasses, and motorcycles.
“On sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from the troops. In the ensuing firefight, one bandit was neutralized, while 23 others including 19 males and 4 females surrendered without further resistance.”
“A comprehensive search of the camp led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including, 4 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 rifle magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 English made pistol, 2 locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, 48 daggers and jack knives,” he said.
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Olubodunde added that the terrorists relocated from Plateau State and were received and settled by the village head of Amar, Karim Lamido.
The bandits had originally come from Plateau State and had paid the local chief in Amar village to settle in his area and set up their camp. According to Captain Oni Olubodunde, a spokesperson for the military, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had paid a local chief in Amar village the sum of ₦1,500,000 to acquire and establish their camp in the area.”
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the commander of the military brigade, praised the operation and assured the public that the army would keep working hard to ensure the safety of Taraba State.
He said, “This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminate criminal elements, restore lasting peace, and ensure that Taraba State does not become a safe haven for terrorists. We will continue to work tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to sustain the fight against insecurity.”
