How Taraba village head collected N1.5m to set up bandit camp

23 suspected criminals, including four women have been arrested by Troops of the Nigerian Army following the discovery of bandit hideout in Taraba State during a clearance operation.

A large cache of weapons were also recovered from the criminals.

The military also accused a local chief of receiving N1.5 million from the criminals to provide them with a safe hideout.

Captain Oni Olubodunde, the spokesman for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, in a statement disclosed that the operation took place on Sunday, February 2, in Angwan-Bala, located in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

He said acting on intelligence reports, soldiers launched a fighting patrol to the identified camp. Upon arrival, the troops were met with gunfire from the criminals, leading to a fierce exchange.

One bandit was killed, while 23 others, including 19 men and four women, surrendered.

A thorough search of the camp uncovered a stockpile of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an English-made pistol, two locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, and 48 daggers and jackknives.

Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals had relocated from Plateau State and had been harbored by the village head of Amar, Karim Lamido, in exchange for a N1.5 million payment.

The chief allegedly facilitated their settlement, allowing them to establish a base in the area.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, reiterated the military’s commitment to ensuring security and stability in Taraba State.

He stressed that the operation demonstrated the army’s determination to eliminate criminal elements and prevent the state from becoming a refuge for terrorists.

However, Uwa assured residents that the military would continue working with stakeholders to sustain efforts against insecurity.