RismadarVoice Media, December 9, 2025
The Headquarters, 23 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming its troop opened fire on civilians during the recent communal clash in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
In a statement released on Tuesday via its official X handle, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations (Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai / 23 Brigade), Captain Olusegun Abidoye, described the allegations as false and misleading.
He clarified that neither the Brigade Commander nor his escorts were anywhere near the scene.
“The Commander was participating virtually in the Chief of Army Staff’s weekly operational briefing at the time of the alleged incident,” the statement said.
According to the Brigade, combined security forces including 23 Brigade troop, the Police, NSCDC, and DSS responded to violent clashes between the Bachama and Chobo tribes, triggered by longstanding land disputes and ethnic tensions.
Troops were deployed to Tingno, Rigange, Tito, Waduku, and Lamurde to restore order.
During the operation, a militia group supporting one of the factions reportedly attacked the troops.
Soldiers neutralized three gunmen, with more bodies discovered along the militants’ withdrawal route.
NAF also addressed reports regarding two women who were later found dead.
The Army insisted that no civilian was shot by its personnel, attributing the deaths to the unprofessional handling of weapons by militias.
The Brigade expressed condolences to the grieving families and urged both communities to embrace peace, shun further bloodshed.
It called on the public to disregard what it termed a “malicious report,” reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and supporting civil authorities.
