Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled an attack by armed bandits in Usmanu village, located in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. The military operation followed a fresh communal clash between the Shomo and Wurkun communities, which resulted in the destruction of homes and heightened fear among residents.
The incident occurred on November 29, when soldiers under Operation Peace Shield were deployed to the troubled area after receiving distress calls from community members. According to military sources, the clash between the two neighbouring groups had already led to the burning of at least 15 houses before the troops arrived.
Taraba State, like several parts of the North-East and North-Central regions, has experienced a mixture of violent conflicts in recent years. These include communal disputes, farmer–herder clashes, and attacks by criminal groups, making security agencies maintain a constant presence across several communities. The Shomo–Wurkun conflict is one of many long-standing disputes in the area, often driven by disagreements over land, boundary rights, and local leadership issues.
At about 9:35 a.m. on the day of the incident, soldiers responded to urgent calls for help as the communal tension began to escalate. However, shortly after arriving at Usmanu village, the troops encountered a group of heavily armed bandits.
According to a security source, the bandits, numbering around 50, launched an attack on the soldiers. The troops responded quickly and engaged the attackers in a gun battle. The army said the soldiers overpowered the bandits through superior firepower and tactical coordination.
“On arrival, about 50 armed bandits reportedly launched an attack on the soldiers, but the troops responded swiftly, overpowering the assailants,” the source said.
During the encounter, the troops neutralised four of the bandits. Others fled into nearby bushes, leaving behind weapons and ammunition. Security personnel immediately launched pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent further violence in the community.
Following the confrontation, the soldiers recovered a number of weapons from the scene. These included a fabricated AK-47 rifle, three dane guns, two magazines, and 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The recovery of these weapons, according to military officials, shows the level of danger posed by armed groups operating around local communities.
In addition to the recovered items, one key suspect believed to be working closely with the armed bandits was arrested. The suspect is currently being interrogated by military intelligence officers. His arrest is expected to help security agencies gather more information about the group’s activities, sources of weapons, and possible sponsors.
The army said clearance operations are still ongoing in the area to ensure that no armed group returns to attack residents. Troops are also patrolling surrounding villages to reassure people who fled during the clash that it is safe to return.
A statement from military personnel involved in the operation said the troops carried out the task with confidence and professionalism. The army noted that morale remained high throughout the operation, despite the level of resistance they faced.
The soldiers’ quick response and success in overpowering the bandits have been commended by residents, who expressed relief and gratitude. Many said the arrival of troops prevented what could have turned into a larger disaster, as tension between the two communities had already created an atmosphere of fear.
One resident explained that without the presence of soldiers, the conflict might have escalated further. “People were already running away because of the burning of houses. If the soldiers did not come, more lives could have been lost,” he said.
Karim Lamido is one of the local government areas in Taraba State that has seen repeated outbreaks of communal conflicts over the years. Several ethnic groups live in the region, including the Shomo and Wurkun communities, who have occasionally clashed over land and resource management.
Taraba State lies in a sensitive part of Nigeria where communities share borders with Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue States. These border connections sometimes make conflicts more complex, as displaced people move between communities, and armed groups find hiding places in thick forests and hard-to-reach areas.
While the army’s successful intervention has helped calm the immediate situation, community leaders and residents are calling for long-term solutions to prevent future violence. They say the government should encourage dialogue between the Shomo and Wurkun communities to address the root causes of their disagreements.