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The 23rd Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army has denied claims that its soldiers were responsible for killing civilians during a tribal conflict in Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa State, on Monday, 8 December 2025.

A statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of the Army Public Relations Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai / 23 Brigade, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, on its X account on Tuesday, stated that the reports were “unfounded and deceptive,” noting that neither the Brigade Commander nor his security details were at the location.

“The commander was joining the Chief of Army Staff’s weekly operational briefing via virtual means during the reported incident,” the statement said.

The statement indicated that joint security forces, comprising 23 Brigade soldiers, the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, and DSS, addressed conflicts between the Bachama and Chobo tribes, stemming from long-standing territorial disagreements and ethnic hostilities. The forces deployed to impacted areas such as Tingno, Rigange, Tito, Waduku, and Lamurde to bring about stability.

“It is important to let the general public know that neither the Brigade Commander nor his guards were present at the location of the communal conflict, as the Brigade Commander was virtually attending the Chief of Army Staff’s weekly operational meeting at the time of the alleged shooting by his guards,” the statement further mentioned.

The 23 Brigade Headquarters aims to clarify that the joint forces from the 23 Brigade Base, Nigerian Police Force, NSCDC, and DSS were informed about the inter-tribal conflicts between the Bachama and Chobo communities in Lamurde LGA around 0135 hours (1:30 AM) on Monday, 8 December 2025.

“The conflict arose from ongoing land disagreements and ethnic tensions between the Chobo and Bachama groups. Soldiers quickly arrived at the impacted areas to bring back stability to Tingno, Rigange, Tito, Waduku, and Lamurde,” the statement noted.

While conducting operations, a group of militants believed to be backing one of the conflicting communities launched an attack on the soldiers.

In reply, troops disabled three attackers, and further militia members were subsequently discovered neutralized along their retreat path, alongside a motorcycle.

“When news of a possible attack on the Lamurde Local Government Secretariat emerged, military forces were deployed to protect the site. Some women tried to stop their movement, and armed individuals are said to have fired randomly. The Brigade stated that no civilians were shot by army members, and the two women taken to the Local Government Lodge were reportedly killed because of the improper handling of weapons by the militias,” the statement said.

The unit showed compassion for the families of the deceased women and called on the conflicting groups to adopt peace in order to avoid additional loss of life and damage.

It reconfirmed its dedication to its constitutional responsibilities in support of civilian authorities and urged the public to ignore the “false report.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).