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EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
What began as a territorial rivalry among armed militia leaders in Benue has once again left a trail of blood and grief in its wake, as no fewer than 17 persons were confirmed killed following a spate of deadly attacks in Gbeji, Ukum, and Logo axis of the state.
While the attack was initially blamed on suspected herdsmen who stormed the farming communities around 1:00 p.m. on April 18, security intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama revealed a deeper crisis rooted in supremacy battles among three local militia commanders: Konyon, Full Fire, and Chen.
The trio, according to sources familiar with militia activities in the Sankera region, were once protégés of the slain notorious warlord, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as “Gana.” However, following Gana’s death in a 2020 military ambush, the scramble for control of his criminal empire fractured their ranks, spawning bitter rivalries, betrayals, and deadly reprisals.
Intelligence ources disclosed that the most recent violence was sparked when Chen allegedly rustled cattle belonging to Fulani herders who strayed into his territory in Logo Local Government Area. The attack prompted a swift and brutal response from rival militia leader Full Fire, who is believed to have forged a deadly alliance with some armed herdsmen operating along the Wukari-Benue border.
Full Fire led a joint force of allied herders and loyalists into Logo, looking for Chen. When they couldn’t find him, they turned their guns on innocent villagers
The initial wave of the attack left five villagers dead, shot at close range. Security forces were immediately deployed and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat toward the Wukari axis of neighbouring Taraba State.
But the horror didn’t end there.
Hours later, another round of coordinated attacks claimed the lives of 12 more civilians, bringing the total confirmed death toll to 17. Security officials say most of the victims were farmers and residents caught in the crossfire of a criminal war they had no stake in.
Additional troops have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further attacks and build public confidence,” the Command’s spokesperson said.
The battle for control among militia warlords continues to destabilize large parts of the Sankera region, where government presence remains limited and community members are frequently caught between rival armed groups and opportunistic bandits.
Zagazola warned that unless urgent steps are taken to dismantle these criminal networks, restore civil authority, and broker genuine disarmament deals, more blood may yet flow in Benue’s long-suffering hinterlands.
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State and rescued two victims with gunshot wounds.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on April 26 when troops deployed at Sanga responded to a distress call regarding the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Kurmin Goro village axis.
The sources disclosed that the armed suspects fled the scene upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their mission.
According to the sources, two victims were rescued during the operation, both of whom sustained gunshot wounds.
The victims were immediately evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent further criminal activity and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Buratai District, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two of the attackers in the process.
According to sources, the attack occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, when troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion detected a large number of terrorists attempting to infiltrate their defensive location at LIMA 3 Chara using surveillance systems.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers and held their ground while reinforcement teams swiftly mobilised to the location to support the operation.
The combined response forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray after a brief but intense firefight. During the exchange, two terrorists were neutralised, while one motorcycle used by the attackers was destroyed. Troops also recovered a cache of ammunition from the scene.
No casualties were recorded on the side of the friendly forces, while the situation remains under close monitoring as exploitation operations continue.
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
Troops Intercept Terrorist Logistics Courier, Recover Ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (ZSCPG), have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics courier in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 2:40 p.m. on April 24 at Lalan Commercial Motor Park in Gusau following credible intelligence.
The suspect was reportedly intercepted while attempting to board a commercial vehicle heading to Shinkafi town.
According to the sources, a search conducted on the suspect led to the discovery of ammunition concealed inside a container of palm oil.
Items recovered include 270 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 54 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspect received the consignment from an individual identified as Abubakar Danfulani in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, for onward delivery to TsaiKa village in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.
The suspect is currently in custody of the Joint Investigation and Fusion Centre (JIFC), Operation Forest Yaki, for further investigation and necessary action.
Security authorities said the interception is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and arms supply chains across the North-West.
Troops Intercept Terrorist Logistics Courier, Recover Ammunition in Zamfara
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