Three Killed in Barkin Ladi Amid Rising Tensions Over Livestock Poisoning in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Three persons have been killed in an attack on Hurum village in Tenti District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what sources described as a retaliatory incident linked to the earlier poisoning of nine livestock by Berom militia in the area.

Zagazola report that the victims were identified as Clement Polycarp, 35; Pankat Moses, 32; and Jonathan Danladi, 12, all residents of Hurum village. Two other persons sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the late-night attack, which occurred at about 2200hrs.

Security sources said armed men stormed the community and opened fire on residents before fleeing into a nearby mountainous forest.

It was gathered that joint security teams swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers, who escaped due to the difficult terrain.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Barkin Ladi for medical attention, while additional deployments were sent to the area to prevent further escalation and track down the perpetrators.

The incident comes less than 48 hourz, amid heightened tensions following the reported poisoning of nine cattle in the same local government area.

Earlier, nine cattle were confirmed dead while three others were left in critical condition after a suspected poisoning incident in Rakum village, Kassa District of Barkin Ladi.

Security sources said troops responded at about 1625hrs on April 18 after receiving reports that cattle belonging to one Dauda Jalo had died under suspicious circumstances.

On arrival, nine cattle were found dead, while three others were struggling for survival after allegedly grazing on a substance believed to be poisonous. The livestock were discovered within grazing fields, raising concerns over possible deliberate contamination.

Zagazola reports that the latest killings point to the persistent cycle of tit-for-tat attacks in Plateau, despite ongoing security operations aimed at restoring calm across affected communities.

Security and community sources said herders and farming communities alike have suffered repeated losses, with little deterrence for perpetrators, as attacks are frequently followed by counter-attacks.

Cow rustling, livestock poisoning, and targeted attacks on pastoralist communities have remained the primary triggers of violence, often leading to swift reprisals and further loss of lives.

Across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Mangu, such incidents have continued almost unabated due to the conspiracy of silence and support criminals groups get from their communities.

There are also growing concerns that both government and some community leaders have often looked the other way, as cycles of violence persist and peace initiatives continue to yield limited results.

Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, while security presence has been reinforced to contain further escalation.

Three Killed in Barkin Ladi Amid Rising Tensions Over Livestock Poisoning in Plateau

Troops arrest suspected terrorist in Kaduna, cite internal clashes among bandit leaders

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have arrested a suspected terrorist at a forward operating base in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, amid reports of internal clashes among armed groups in parts of the state.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 6:45 p.m. on April 16, 2026, by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Afaka.

According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had fled a terrorist camp in Sabon Birni due to ongoing violent clashes between rival group leaders identified as Dogo Gide and Kabiru.

The sources added that the clashes were said to be taking place along the Kachia–Kagarko–Chikun local government areas corridor, an area known for recurring security challenges.

The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue to verify claims and gather further intelligence on the activities and structure of the armed groups.

Security sources noted that the development indicates possible fractures within criminal networks, which could be exploited to degrade their operational capacity.

Troops arrest suspected terrorist in Kaduna, cite internal clashes among bandit leaders

NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-narcotics campaign, securing 974 convictions across the country within the first quarter of 2026, including 11 high-profile drug traffickers who collectively received 254 years in prison sentences.

Data released by the agency showed that between January and March 2026, a total of 974 offenders were convicted and sentenced for drug-related offences. Of this figure, 899 were male and 75 female convicts. Monthly breakdown indicates 265 convictions in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March, reflecting a steady escalation in enforcement outcomes.

Among those convicted are 11 identified drug kingpins whose cases were prosecuted across various divisions of the Federal High Court nationwide, following NDLEA operations targeting trafficking networks and illicit drug distribution chains.

One of the most prominent convictions involved Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos to a cumulative 130 years in prison after being found guilty on a 15-count charge. The court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy licence, forfeiture of two pharmacy outlets, and the seizure of funds in multiple bank accounts to the Federal Government.

In another case, 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun was handed a 25-year sentence by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. The convict had previously been jailed for a related drug offence in 2022, marking him as a repeat offender.

Similarly, two traffickers, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi, received 17-year prison terms each from the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after being convicted for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis (skunk).

Other notable convictions include Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” sentenced to 15 years in Kano, and Idris Yusuf, who received a 15-year term in Damaturu, Yobe State, alongside an additional eight-year sentence from a related case.

Several others across different jurisdictions were handed seven-year sentences for various drug trafficking offences, underscoring what authorities describe as an intensified nationwide crackdown.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the outcome as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing war against illicit drugs.

He said the conviction of nearly 1,000 offenders within three months sends a strong warning to drug cartels and traffickers operating in the country.

“Securing 974 convictions in just three months reflects the determination of our officers and the declining tolerance of the Nigerian state for drug merchants. The combined 254-year sentences handed to these kingpins show clearly that impunity in the drug trade is no longer sustainable,” Marwa stated.

He commended the judiciary for what he described as swift and decisive adjudication of drug cases, stressing that timely justice remains a key deterrent to organised criminal networks.

Marwa also praised NDLEA operatives for their operational courage and professionalism, pledging continued investment in their welfare and operational capacity.

He further called on Nigerians to support ongoing efforts by providing credible intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains vital in dismantling drug trafficking networks.

The agency reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on drug cartels through arrests, prosecution, and asset forfeiture, as part of a broader national strategy to curb substance abuse and protect vulnerable populations.

NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison