The Nigerian Army said troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the burning of a house belonging to a Wurkun resident in Karim Town, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State
In a statement issued by Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, said the suspects; Bitrus Ishaya and Mamman Ibrahim from the Wudumpi area, and Emmanuel Adi from Step 2, were intercepted by troops at the scene of the incident shortly after the house had been set ablaze.
It said investigations revealed that Bitrus and Mamman falsely claimed to be members of the Taraba Marshals as they failed to provide any form of official identification.
Similarly, Emmanuel Adi, falsely claimed to be a vigilante operative, but their nefarious character led to their arrest, adding that the act is believed to be a deliberate attempt to exploit the already fragile tensions in parts of Karim Lamido LGA, where incidents involving local communities have heightened security concerns in recent days.
The suspects are currently in military custody as investigations intensify to uncover their true identities, motives, and any possible connections to criminal elements operating under the guise of vigilante or community security outfits.
The Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, who commended the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, further reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace and stability across the state.
He warned that anyone attempting to ignite violence, destabilise communities, or fuel communal tensions will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.