By Mohammed Sule.
Jalingo, Taraba State – A village head in Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria, is facing serious accusations of collaborating with bandits after allegedly receiving ₦1.5 million to allow them to establish a camp within his domain. This information was released by the Nigerian Army following a recent operation in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army conducted a fighting patrol on Sunday, February 2nd, at Angwan-Bala, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits. Upon encountering the patrol, the bandits opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange. One bandit was neutralized in the firefight, while 23 others, including 19 men and 4 women, surrendered.
Captain Oni Olubodunde, spokesperson for the 6 Brigade, confirmed to SaharaReporters that the bandits had relocated from Plateau State and were received by the village head of Amar, Karim Lamido, after a financial transaction. “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,” Olubodunde stated.
The army’s search of the bandits’ camp yielded a significant 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, 16 motorcycles, 48 daggers, and jackknives.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, emphasized the army’s dedication to securing Taraba State. “This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminating criminal elements, restoring lasting peace, and ensuring 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,” Uwa asserted. The investigation into the village head’s alleged involvement is ongoing.
