A joint security operation in Taraba State turned deadly on Monday when soldiers deployed to protect farmers were ambushed by suspected local militia elements, leading to a casualty and missing personnel.
The troops, drawn from a special forces unit along with police and NSCDC operatives, were escorting Tiv farmers harvesting their produce in the bush area of Takum Local Government Area when the attack occurred.
A source confirmed to Zagagola Makama that one soldier was killed during the incident, while two others are currently unaccounted for.
In a swift, albeit unconfirmed, reaction, soldiers cordoned off a major public event in Takum and made arrests.
The source further disclosed that following the incident, soldiers cordoned off the venue of the Miyetti Allah executives’ election at the FGR Samsokwa Hall, in Takum, and arrested male executives of the association present at the venue.
Accusations were also pointed at the Taraba State special adviser on security, who is allegedly behind the local militia, though these claims remain unverified.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, security forces recorded a success in Kwara State, arresting a group of suspected armed bandits carrying AK-47 rifles in the Ifelodun Local Government Area.
During their arrest on Friday, a video surfaced online showing security operatives questioning the suspects. One of the suspects made a serious allegation, claiming that some officials of the Kwara State government supplied the weapons.
One of the suspects alleged that some officials of the Kwara State government gave them both the vehicle and the rifles. He claimed they had been operating in the area under the cover of patrol duties.
He insisted the weapons did not belong to them personally, adding that their leader collected the rifles and that they often conducted patrols with the named officials.