Crime
Four children killed in Barkin Ladi reprisal attack as Plateau tensions escalate
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
Crime
Four abducted in bandit attack in Munya, Niger
Four abducted in bandit attack in Munya, Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
At least four persons were abducted by suspected armed bandits in Munya Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, when bandits invaded Siyona community via Mangorota, Kabula Ward in Munya LGA.
Sources said the attackers kidnapped four residents of the community and took them to an unknown destination.
The victims were identified as Iya Bulus, 20; Lami Bulus, 30; Ayelo Elisha, 15; and Soja Elisha, 15. They are all members of the Siyona–Mangorota community and of the Bagyi ethnic group.
The source said information about the attack was received at about 11:00 p.m. the same night. On receipt of the information, the troops of the Nigerian Army, police and vigilante personnel were swiftly mobilized to the scene.
The sources added that on arrival, the bandits had already fled with their captives.
According to the sources, intensive monitoring and intelligence gathering are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators.
Four abducted in bandit attack in Munya, Niger
Crime
Nigerian Army’s 2 division launches operation Igbo Danu (operation forest flush) ….crushes terrorists in kwara state
Nigerian Army’s 2 division launches operation Igbo Danu (operation forest flush) ….crushes terrorists in kwara state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army with massive support from the office of the national security adviser (ONSA) has sustained coordinated offensive operations against terrorists within the Joint Operations Area (JOA), achieving notable successes between 23 and 29 January 2026.
These operations were conducted under the leadership of Major General Chinedu Nnebife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), alongside Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, the Commander 22 Brigade.
A statement by captain Maureen Ogbuka for Acting Deputy Director 2 Division Army Public Relations Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operations FANSAN YAMMA noted that their efforts reflected a high operational responsiveness and determination to dismantle terrorist networks in the general area.
The statement noted that “in the engagements, troops , in collaboration with the ONSA conducted fighting patrols in several bandits enclaves.
“They successfully neutralised a terrorist, while others managed to escape into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. Their hideouts and camps were completely destroyed leaving the brigands dislodged.
”Similarly, troops cleared Garin Dandi, a known enclave of bandits in the Ifelodun council Area of Kwara State leading to the decimation of the bandits logistics bases and supply system.
”Troops also stormed remote camps hitherto inaccessible to security forces where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capability.
”Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture throughout the forested areas, effectively denying the bandits freedom of movement.
“Furthermore, troops intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits.
” The operations also resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnap victims from different camps in the state.
”Observations from the operations indicate that bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations.
” The successes recorded underscored the resolve and operational effectiveness of the Divison in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security across Kwara State.
”The GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army has called on members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to enhance ongoing operations. The operation is ongoing to deal decisively with all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.” Said the statement.
Nigerian Army’s 2 division launches operation Igbo Danu (operation forest flush) ….crushes terrorists in kwara state
Crime
Troops repel attack in Benue, kill four bandits, recover AK-47
Troops repel attack in Benue, kill four bandits, recover AK-47
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops in Benue have repelled an attack on its personnel at a checkpoint in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, killing four suspected armed bandits and recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Zagazola gathered that operatives of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force were on stop-and-search duty at the Otukpa/Orakam checkpoint at about 5:00 p.m. on Jan. 29 when they stopped a black Golf 3 car for a routine search.
“The occupants resisted the search, pulled out firearms and engaged the policemen in a shootout,” the source said.
During the exchange, four of the bandits sustained fatal injuries. They were rushed to a hospital where they later died while receiving treatment. One suspect reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle with breech number 1960, 15 rounds of ammunition, a black Golf 3 vehicle with registration number KEF 909 ES, and assorted criminal charms.
The sources said efforts were ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Troops repel attack in Benue, kill four bandits, recover AK-47
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