In a shocking revelation, the Nigerian Army has uncovered the involvement of a village head in Taraba State who allegedly received a sum of N1.5 million to shelter a group of bandits who sought refuge in his community. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, February 2, 2025, when the military, acting on credible intelligence, raided the camp in Angwan-Bala, located within the Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
The bandits, who had recently moved from Plateau State, were reportedly harbored by the village head of Amar. According to a statement from Captain Oni Olubodunde, the spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, the chief facilitated the bandits’ settlement in the area in exchange for the hefty sum. This act of betrayal has sent shockwaves throughout the local community, raising questions about the growing involvement of some traditional leaders with criminal elements.
“The bandits had paid ₦1.5 million to the village head in Amar to set up their camp here. Our troops were able to successfully intercept their activities after receiving credible intelligence about their movement,” Captain Olubodunde revealed to SaharaReporters. He further explained that the operation resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist and the surrender of 23 others, including 4 women.
The Ambush and Uncovering of Weapons
The army’s swift and tactical response to the bandits’ ambush led to a firefight that saw the death of one of the criminals. The remaining 23 bandits—19 men and 4 women—surrendered without further resistance, avoiding any additional casualties. A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the discovery of a staggering cache of weapons, ammunition, and tools, including four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, 80 rounds of special ammunition, a pistol, and two locally made firearms. Additionally, military personnel recovered several cutlasses, motorcycles, and daggers.
“This successful operation is a direct result of the concerted efforts of our troops, who, upon receiving accurate intelligence, promptly moved to neutralize the threat,” stated Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army. “We will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and security in Taraba State. Our resolve to eliminate criminal elements is unwavering.”
The Implications of Local Chiefs’ Alleged Involvement with Bandits
The village head’s alleged involvement with the bandits has raised serious concerns about the growing collaboration between criminal elements and local leaders. Experts have long warned that some traditional figures may be offering protection to these terror groups in exchange for financial rewards.
This latest incident highlights the vulnerability of some communities, where the very people entrusted with ensuring safety may be complicit in endangering lives for personal gain. It also raises broader questions about how authorities are vetting leaders and their possible connections to illegal activities.
An anonymous local source revealed that the bandits, having been forced to relocate from Plateau State due to security crackdowns, sought refuge in Taraba, knowing the area was relatively under-policed. The village head’s complicity reportedly allowed them to set up an effective base of operations, free from immediate threat. This allowed the bandits to operate with near impunity for several weeks before the army finally acted.
“While we appreciate the military’s efforts, we must ask why such a situation was allowed to unfold for as long as it did,” the source stated. “The village head should be held accountable for his actions. Traditional leaders have a duty to safeguard their people, not put them in danger for monetary gain.”
Taraba’s Growing Security Concerns
Taraba State has long been a hotbed of insecurity, with numerous criminal elements operating within its borders. The region, like many parts of Northeast Nigeria, has been deeply affected by banditry, insurgency, and ethnic conflicts. The military, alongside local police forces, has made significant strides in combating these challenges, but the involvement of local leaders in harboring criminals poses a severe setback.
The Nigerian Army has made it clear that it will not tolerate any collaboration between traditional leaders and criminals. In his statement, Brigadier General Uwa emphasized the army’s commitment to restoring peace in Taraba, asserting that the army will continue to engage with local authorities and the community to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
“We will not allow any part of Taraba to become a safe haven for criminals. Our operations will continue, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who collaborate with terrorists are brought to justice,” Uwa stated firmly.
A Dangerous Trend?
The discovery of the arms cache and the subsequent arrest of the bandits has underscored a troubling trend in the region: the growing alliance between criminal groups and local elites. While such alliances have been documented in other parts of the country, their occurrence in Taraba represents a significant development in the ongoing battle against banditry and terrorism in Northeast Nigeria.
In response, security experts are calling for a more robust investigation into the role of traditional leaders in fostering or condoning criminal activity. There is a growing demand for transparency in how local chiefs are selected and monitored, with many suggesting that increased scrutiny could prevent such alliances in the future.
“The failure to tackle this issue at the leadership level will allow banditry and terrorism to thrive. We need to ensure that those who are responsible for the safety of our communities are held accountable for their actions,” said Dr. Bashir Abubakar, a security analyst based in Jalingo.
The Path Forward
As the Nigerian Army continues its efforts to dismantle criminal networks in Taraba and beyond, there is a renewed call for collaboration between the military, local governments, and traditional leaders to ensure the security of residents. The case in Amar village serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance at all levels of society to combat the growing threat of terrorism.
“We are committed to ensuring that criminals do not find a safe space to operate in this state,” said General Uwa. “Together, with the help of the people and relevant authorities, we will eliminate these threats and restore peace to the region.”
