Troops arrest five criminals after gun battle in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested five suspected criminals following a gun battle in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The suspects were apprehended on Thursday after troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Karim Lamido responded to a distress call reporting an attack on communities within the area.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene but came under attack from unidentified gunmen upon arrival.

The soldiers returned fire, forcing the attackers to flee in different directions. Troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

Items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles, machetes, daggers, assorted charms, gunpowder and five mobile phones.

Reacting to the development, the Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their professionalism, bravery and swift response during the operation.

Akaliro reiterated the directive of the Chief of Army Staff for troops to remain vigilant and sustain ongoing operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action across the state.

He also assured residents of Taraba State that the military would continue to intensify efforts to track down and eliminate threats to peace and security until normalcy is fully restored.