Crime
17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia
17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia
By: Bodunrin Kayode
17 suspects have been apprehended over the Christmas Eve and recent Mangu massacre, the plateau state command of the Nigerian police has said.
Briefing newsmen in Jos today, the AIG Zone 4 Ebong Eyibo said that as of Thursday, nine suspects were arrested in connection with the massacre of 30 people in Mangu so far, and manhunts are going on for more.
Parading the suspects in jos, Eyibo went on: “Before you are the eight suspects from the December 24th 2023 attack and the nine suspects arrested in connection with the recent attacks in the state.
He said that exhibits recovered from the suspects include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing gasoline, and other items.
The area remains highly secured by security forces, and strict compliance with the curfew is being recognized, according to him.
The AIG said that: “On January 24 at about 2200 hrs, we received intelligence concerning an attack that was targeted on the Ntam community and the ASTC Company, both of Mangu LGA.
“Our team of agile police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC, in conjunction with Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO, swung into action and thwarted the attempted attack.”
He said that in a separate incident, an attempt by some criminal arsonists in Panyam District to set fire to some worship centers was prevented by swift intervention from the police and with the help of some elders of the community.
“Also, in another development, to further strengthen the existing security architecture in the Mangu Council area, ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by the government, and prevent further escalation of the incidence, which is almost snowballing into an ethno-religious crisis, I have ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention personnel to Mangu LGA to be commanded by the Area Commander, Pankshin, and restore normalcy in that area.
In another development, he said that a delegation from the Plateau State Government led by the Security Adviser to the Governor, heads of other security agencies, and leaders from both the Christian and Muslim communities gathered at the Mangu Township Stadium and the Miskam Mwaghavul Palace in Mangu yesterday, the 24th day of January 2024, to deliberate and chart a way forward to put a stop to the menace.
“We called on the leadership of both faiths to call their followers to order and ensure total compliance with the government-imposed curfew.
“Both parties have promised to comply in the interest of peace in their communities. So far, over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations; two injured persons are currently receiving treatment at the hospital; one car; and ten houses were burned down,” he said.
The AIG commiserated with the government and people of the Mangu council area over the loss of lives and properties as a result of these attacks, adding that he will bear zero tolerance for any act of criminality and will continue to intensify efforts towards restoring peace, public confidence, and normalcy within the state.
He then urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies, as they are working tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.
Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Mangu still stands, as pockets of attacks are reported to be taking place in the wee hours of the night.
MUTFWANG CONVENES SECURITY MEETING TO TACKLE UNREST IN MANGU
Meanwhile, in response to the escalating security challenges resulting in the loss of lives and property in Mangu Council Area, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has convened an emergency State Security Council meeting.
The meeting, which took place at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, had in attendance heads of security agencies in the state.
A statement from his spokesman, Gyang Bere, stated that the primary focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of the security situation in the state, with special attention given to the affected communities for swift and effective intervention.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens of the state.
“He pledged to pursue justice for all citizens affected by the recent incidents,” said the release.
17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia
Four children killed in Barkin Ladi reprisal attack as Plateau tensions escalate
By: Zagazola Makama
Four children were killed on Thursday in a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen in Dorong village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid rising tensions following recent attacks on herders and cattle rustling in the area.
The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred less than 48 hours after coordinated assaults on pastoral communities in Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom LGAs, during which no fewer than 168 cattle were rustled and several others poisoned.
Zagazola reports that on Wednesday evening, Militia from plateau rustled 137 cattle around Nding community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while another 34 cattle were driven away from Kukukah community in Jos East LGA, with only three later returning.
Less than 24 hours later, nine cows reportedly died after grazing on poisoned substances around Kwi village in Riyom LGA, further heightening tension across the affected areas.
A community leader in Foron District, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Dorong attack was carried out in the early hours of Thursday.
“The atmosphere has been tense since the cattle rustling incidents. People have been living in fear, warning that reprisals were imminent if nothing was done. Sadly, those fears have now materialised,” the source said.
Security sources confirmed the incident, adding that troops and other security operatives had been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm.
We therefore renewed calls on the Plateau State Government and concerned security agencies to urgently intervene, arrest perpetrators on all sides, and address the underlying causes of the recurring violence.
Zagazola warned that without decisive action, including accountability for cattle rustling, livestock poisoning and retaliatory attacks, Plateau State risks sinking deeper into another cycle of reprisals that continues to claim innocent lives, particularly women and children.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the Dorong incident.
Four children killed in Barkin Ladi reprisal attack as Plateau tensions escalate
Troops neutralise three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout in Bakin Kogi, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Zagazola gathered the operation, carried out on 11 December, was part of intensified efforts to clear criminal elements from the Joint Operations Area ahead of the yuletide celebrations.
The troops came under fire as they approached the hideout, but responded with superior firepower, overwhelming the armed gang.
Sources said the troops later conducted a sweep of the area and discovered the corpses of three suspected kidnappers neutralised during the exchange.
According to the source, the suspects were identified as members of a notorious syndicate responsible for multiple abductions and attacks on commuters along the Dangoma–Godogodo axis of Jema’a LGA.
He added that troops had launched follow-up operations to track down fleeing members of the group and dismantle their remaining networks.
The operation, he said, reflected the military’s sustained push to enhance security within Kaduna State and neighbouring areas.
Troops neutralise three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
Kwara police intercept illegal firearms, arrest four suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Kwara state have intercepted a cache of illegal firearms and arrested four suspects during a routine stop-and-search operation along Sabongida Road.
According to sources, on 11 December 2025 at about 0845 hours, operatives from Jebba Division apprehended Musa Mohammed and Musa Abdullahi, both residents of Saorami, Masegun LGA, Niger State.
The suspects were found in possession of six locally made AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, four cartridges, and one expended AK-47 round concealed inside a bag.
Interrogation revealed that the firearms were intended for delivery to two other suspects, Mohammad Umoru and Magin Isah of Shonga, who were subsequently arrested.
All four suspects have been handed over to the IRT operatives on special duties in Kwara State for further investigation.
Kwara police intercept illegal firearms, arrest four suspects
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