Police debunk officer’s collaboration with militants in Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that a police officer was arrested in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of the state while working with militias.

The command described the claims as false, misleading, and capable of undermining public trust in security agencies.

The Taraba State Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, in a statement issued on Sunday, November 30, 2025, said the officer in question was on duty at the Usmanu outstation in Karim Lamido LGA at the time of the incident.

Mshelizah said the police officer was in uniform, carrying out routine surveillance in response to unrest in the area.

Mshelizah stated: “The officer in question, was stationed at his legitimate duty post – usmanu outstation, in Karim lamido LGA in uniform and was on duty, At no point was the officer involved in any unlawful activity or association with criminal elements.

“Contrary to unverified claims, the officer was not apprehended in the act with any militias, armed groups, or persons of interest.

“He was not found in possession of any prohibited weapons, contraband, or items that could suggest misconduct.

Inspector, brother held for corpse seizure, attacks in Benue

“Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the officer was arrested within his area of responsibility carrying out routine surveillance due to the unrest while others were running for safety being a police officer he stayed back when the military arrived the scene and he cooperated fully with the responding team.

“No evidence links him to any wrongdoing, and the matter is under internal review to ascertain full facts.”

The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism and discipline under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimeyin, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Mshelizah urged residents to depend on verified information from official channels and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The Star