Herdsman arrested in Taraba with five guns, 36 cartridges

The troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in Taraba State on Exercise Ayem Akpatuma, otherwise called cat race, have arrested a Fulani herdsman and recovered five guns, 36 cartridges among other weapons from him.

Our correspondent learnt that the troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion were on patrol in Zanban village in the Suntai Local Government Area of the state, when they apprehended the suspect.

It was gathered that the troops encountered a large number of armed Fulani men, who wanted to exchange fire with the soldiers, but on a second thought, decided to escape into the bush.

However, one of the armed men, whose name was not given for investigation purposes, was captured by the troops.

According to the army, the weapons recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action rifle, three Dane guns, 36 cartridges, three cutlasses, one jack knife and one mobile phone.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, confirmed the arrest, saying the residents of the area must report suspicious persons and movements to the security agencies.

Chukwu said, “Troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion on Wednesday, while on a patrol around Zamban village, successfully repelled an attack by Fulani bandits. One of the bandits was captured during the encounter.

“Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action rifle, three Dane guns, 36 cartridges and three cutlasses. The captured bandit is presently undergoing interrogation. The public is once again reminded to report any suspicious person or movements in their areas to the security agencies for prompt action.”