Troops of the 6th Brigade, Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested three men accused of setting fire to a house in Karim town, Karim Lamido local government area of Taraba State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, was described by the Army as a dangerous attempt to inflame already fragile tensions in the area.
The suspects were named Bitrus Ishaya and Mamman Ibrahim of Wudumpi, and Emmanuel Adi.
Soldiers intercepted them at the scene of the attack moments after the home of a Wurkun resident was set on fire.
According to the statement signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6th Brigade, initial checks showed that Bitrus and Mamman falsely claimed to be members of Marshal Taraba. “Preliminary investigations revealed that Bitrus and Mamman’s claims of being members of the Marshal of Taraba were false, as both men did not provide any form of official identification,” the statement said.
Emmanuel Adi, who said he was a surveillance agent, was also detained after what officials described as “inconsistent and suspicious statements.”
The military suggested that the attack could have been aimed at worsening the atmosphere of tension in parts of Karim Lamido. “The act is believed to be a deliberate attempt to exploit already fragile tensions,” the statement said, adding that the troops’ quick response prevented the situation from escalating into a broader conflict.
The suspects are detained while investigations continue to verify their identities and determine if they have links to criminal elements operating under the guise of local security outfits.
The Commander of the 6th Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for acting quickly. “Anyone who attempts to provoke violence, destabilize communities or fuel community tensions will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He called on residents to support ongoing peace efforts, saying: “We urge the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and continue to report suspicious movements or activities.”