News
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have swiftly intervened in an incident involving the suspected poisoning of livestock in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, where 32 cows belonging to a local herder were reported dead under mysterious circumstances.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in an open field along the Zawura-Jebbu Miango axis, between Dutsen Kura and Jebbu Miango, a region historically prone to ethno-farmer-herder tension.
According to military sources, the affected herder, Mr. Samaila Nuhu, reported that his animals began showing strange symptoms after grazing in the area, prompting suspicions of deliberate poisoning.
Troops under Sector 3 of OPSH, deployed to the scene following a distress call, confirmed that the cattle had already been slaughtered by the herders themselves, in a bid to salvage any usable meat. A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of suspected poisoned tomatoes and garden eggs scattered across the field. No residential structures were found nearby, raising suspicion that the poisoned produce may have been deliberately placed by unknown individuals.
In response, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPSH led a high-powered delegation, including the Chairman of Bassa LGA, the Divisional Police Officer, and other stakeholders, to the site for an on-the-spot assessment. The visit served to calm tensions and forestall any reprisal attacks from the affected Fulani community.
A military source told Zagazola Makama under that the, “The situation was tense but under control. Our engagement with the community, especially the leadership of the herders, was crucial. We made it clear that investigations are ongoing and justice will be pursued through the appropriate channels.”
To further defuse tensions, the military facilitated dialogue with the herders and invited their representatives to an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Division Headquarters scheduled for Thursday. The goal, according to insiders, is to build trust and end the cycle of violence through transparency and proactive conflict resolution.
The herders have reportedly agreed not to retaliate, citing assurances from security agencies that their grievances will be addressed. Military authorities are also exploring options to support the affected families with compensation to mitigate their losses and maintain peace in the area.
As at the time of filing this report, the area remains calm but under close surveillance. Troop morale and operational readiness were reported to be satisfactory.
The incident is the latest in a series of provocations that call attention to the fragility of peace in parts of Plateau State, and the ongoing need for coordinated civil-military interventions to de-escalate conflict triggers in rural communities.
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
Suspect Killed, Police Officer Injured in Clash with Hoodlums in Gombe
By: Zagazola Makama
A police officer was injured, and a suspect was killed during a violent confrontation with hoodlums in Kumbiya-Kumbiya Quarters, Gombe Local Government Area, on April 17, 2025.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around 10:10 p.m. when an anti-violence patrol team, led by Inspector Isah Buba, spotted a group of hoodlums at a notorious black spot.
The hoodlums, armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, attacked the police team, leaving Special Constable Ahmed Muhammad, 28, severely injured and unconscious, presumed dead.
The situation escalated as the criminals advanced in numbers, prompting Corporal Aliyu Nura to open fire, fatally injuring Umar Musa, 25, a member of the gang. Musa was rushed to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe, where he was confirmed dead. The body was deposited at the hospital’s morgue.
Special Constable Muhammad was also rushed to Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital Gombe for treatment of presumed internal injuries and is currently receiving care. Two cutlasses were recovered from the scene, and a round of 7.66mm ammunition was found to be expended.
Further investigation revealed that Haruna Kaura, who is believed to have been mobilizing the thugs for illicit activities, had directed them to attack the police.
The investigation is ongoing.
Suspect Killed, Police Officer Injured in Clash with Hoodlums in Gombe
Kaduna Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Two Fabricated Rifles
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Kaduna State have arrested a 30-year-old suspected kidnapper after recovering two fabricated rifles during a routine patrol on April 18, 2025.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that he patrol team intercepted the suspect, Ishiaku Ali, who was acting suspiciously while holding a sack along the Kauru-Pambeguwa Road at around 4:30 PM. A search of the sack revealed the two fabricated rifles and a long chain, which were concealed inside.
The suspect was immediately arrested, and the recovered items were secured as evidence. Ali, a resident of Bakin Dutse in Kauru LGA, is currently in police custody, and the exhibits will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Kaduna for further investigation.
Kaduna Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Two Fabricated Rifles
Police Arrest Eight Suspects for Killing, Burying Baby in Maiduguri Hospital
By: Zagazola Makama
Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing and secret burial of a newborn baby at Kwatam Private Hospital along Baga Road in Maiduguri.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 18, 2025, at about 1:00 p.m. following a tip-off from concerned residents who saw individuals attempting to bury the baby within the hospital premises.
Security operatives swiftly responded, cordoned off the area, and apprehended all suspects involved in the act.
According to the sources, forensic experts were deployed to the scene and successfully exhumed the body of the newborn for examination.
The suspects have since been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation to uncover the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigations are ongoing.
Police Arrest Eight Suspects for Killing, Burying Baby in Maiduguri Hospital
Suspect Killed, Police Officer Injured in Clash with Hoodlums in Gombe
Kaduna Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Two Fabricated Rifles
Police Arrest Eight Suspects for Killing, Burying Baby in Maiduguri Hospital
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