Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three men suspected of carrying out an arson attack in Karim town, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 2 December 2025, according to the Brigade’s Acting Spokesperson, Lt. Umar Muhammad.
The suspects Bitrus Ishaya and Mamman Ibrahim from the Wudumpi area, and Emmanuel Adi from Step 2 — were reportedly apprehended at the scene shortly after a house belonging to a Wurkun resident went up in flames.
In a statement, the Army disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed inconsistencies in the suspects’ claims of belonging to local security outfits. Bitrus and Mamman, who claimed to be members of the Taraba Marshal, were unable to provide any identification, while Emmanuel Adi, who said he was a vigilante, allegedly gave contradictory statements that raised suspicion.
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Security sources believe the arson attack may have been an attempt to stoke rising tensions in the area, which has recently witnessed heightened communal unease. The military said the prompt intervention of troops helped prevent the situation from escalating into a larger conflict.
As of press time, the three suspects remain in military custody as investigators work to determine their identities, motives and any possible links to criminal groups posing as community security personnel.
The Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift response and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace across the state. He warned that anyone attempting to incite violence or destabilise communities would face decisive action.
General Uwa also urged residents to remain calm and to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities under the ongoing Operation Peace Shield.
