Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three men suspected of setting a house ablaze in Karim town, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident took place 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 the home of a Wurkun resident was set on fire.
In a statement, the Army said preliminary investigations uncovered discrepancies in the suspects’ claims of belonging to local security outfits. Bitrus and Mamman, who claimed to be members of the Taraba Marshal, could not provide any form of identification, while Emmanuel Adi, who claimed to be a vigilante, allegedly gave conflicting statements that raised further suspicion.
Security sources suggested the arson attack may have been an attempt to inflame already heightened communal tensions in the area. The Army added that the swift response of troops prevented the situation from escalating into broader violence.
As of press time, the suspects remain in military custody as investigators work to verify their identities, motives and any possible links to criminal groups impersonating community security operatives.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their prompt action and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to maintaining peace across Taraba State. He warned that anyone attempting to incite unrest or destabilise communities would face decisive consequences.
General Uwa also urged residents to remain calm and continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities under the ongoing Operation Peace Shield.