Crime
Plateau: 13 die in Barkin Ladi after deadly reprisal by Bandits over killing of three Fulani
Plateau: 13 die in Barkin Ladi after deadly reprisal by Bandits over killing of three Fulani
By: Zagazola Makama
The vicious cycle of violence in Plateau State has taken another deadly turn, as 13 people were confirmed killed in separate attacks on Rachas and Rawuru villages of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, in what security sources described as a reprisal by suspected bandits.
Zagazola Makama report that the latest attacks, which occurred late Tuesday, followed the killing of two Fulani women and a young boy along the Mangu Road by suspected members of a Berom militia. The victims were reportedly travelling in a commercial vehicle near the NYSC orientation camp when they were stopped and shot dead in cold blood.
Residents and community leaders have condemned both incidents, warning that the recurring pattern of attacks and reprisals between Fulani and Berom communities risks plunging the state back into large-scale conflict reminiscent of the 2018 crisis.
Speaking during the mass burial of the 13 victims in Rachas village, the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Hon. Stephen Gyang Pwajok, described the killings as “unprovoked and deeply regrettable.”
He sympathised with the affected families and assured that government was intensifying efforts to restore peace through enhanced security deployment and dialogue among stakeholders.
“The government will not relent in its determination to end these needless killings. We are engaging both traditional and community leaders to promote genuine reconciliation,” he said.
Similarly, the District Head of Heipang, Da Paul Tadi-Tok, lamented the continued targeting of innocent villagers, calling for decisive steps to prevent further bloodshed.
He urged authorities to restrict herders from grazing in areas where they are not resident, arguing that such a measure could help reduce infiltration by attackers who disguise as herders to carry out assaults.
“We must strengthen local vigilance and revive Operation Rainbow so that communities can respond promptly to distress situations,” the traditional ruler added.
The Security Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brig.-Gen. Shippi Gakji Goshwe (Rtd.), disclosed that the state’s community security outfit was undergoing recruitment and training to reinforce operations in vulnerable areas.
“Government is not relenting. The new recruits will be properly equipped to complement conventional forces in protecting rural communities,” he said.
However, tension remains high in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Mangu, Riyom, and Bokkos LGAs following recurring attacks and reprisals that have claimed dozens of lives in recent months.
Zagazola recalled that Leaders of the Fulani community have accused the authorities of selective silence, alleging that killings of their members often go unreported or unpunished.
“Our people have been victims of serial attacks without any arrests. Each time there is retaliation, it is only then that the authorities act. This selective justice is fuelling anger and worsening the crisis,” he said.
The killings point to the fragility of peace efforts in Plateau State, where inter-communal distrust, land disputes, and allegations of bias in security responses continue to hinder reconciliation.
Security analysts warn that unless government enforces equal protection for all and prosecutes perpetrators from both sides, the state risks sliding into another phase of tit-for-tat violence that could destabilize the region.
The Plateau State Government and Police Command were yet to issue official statements as of the time of filing this report.
Plateau: 13 die in Barkin Ladi after deadly reprisal by Bandits over killing of three Fulani
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected spy and neutralised two terrorists in separate operations in Borno State, as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East theatre.
According to sources, the troops of 198 Special Forces Battalion apprehended a suspected spy on 25 April 2026 at about 21:40 hours while conducting surveillance operations along a parapet area within their operational environment.
The suspect was reportedly observed through while conducting reconnaissance on troop dispositions before attempting to conceal himself in nearby shrubs.
The sources stated that troops on standing patrol swiftly moved in and arrested the suspect, who could not provide any identification details and declined to give information during preliminary questioning.
He is currently in custody for further interrogation to determine his motive and possible links to hostile elements operating in the area.
In a separate development within the same theatre, troops also repelled an attempted infiltration by terrorists around Buratai District in Biu Local Government Area.
The encounter, which occurred late on 25 April 2026, resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists, with troops recovering a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition after the attackers were forced to withdraw in disarray.
Military authorities noted that the general security situation remains fluid but under close monitoring, while reaffirming that troops’ morale and operational effectiveness remain high as counter-terrorism operations continue across the region.
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustlers in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army Delta Force, have arrested two suspected cattle rustlers during a routine security operation in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State.
Sources said the suspects were apprehended on April 25 at about 1600 hours inside an excavation area near the Tango 8 General Post ahead of the Marlians Mammy area.
The suspects were identified as Malam Modu Kur and Baba Goni Bacha, aged 20 and 16 respectively.
According to the sources, a search of the area did not yield further incriminating items, but troops recovered two mobile phones, a Bluetooth earpod, a cutlass, a bow and arrow, and three bottles of water from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the movement of the suspects within the anti-vehicle ditch raised suspicion among troops on duty, leading to their interception and arrest.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be handed over to the relevant military intelligence unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The operation, the statement added, was conducted without resistance and in line with ongoing efforts to curb cattle rustling and other criminal activities within the theatre of operations.
Zagazola reports that military authorities have continued intensified patrols and clearance operations across parts of Borno and surrounding areas in a bid to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustlers in Maiduguri
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier during a routine security operation in Kurnari area of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola that the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Prilla Bulama Ali, was arrested on April 24 at about 4:25 p.m. following credible intelligence and a three-week surveillance operation.
The suspect was intercepted at a checkpoint mounted by troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion in collaboration with local vigilantes.
According to the source, the suspect was found in possession of a tricycle loaded with petrol, alongside mobile phones, a power bank, a debit card, a national identity card, a cutlass, and other suspected incriminating items including charms.
The source said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was heading towards Helmajibir general area in Biu Local Government Area when he was apprehended.
He added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military sources said that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and deny insurgents access to supplies and local collaborators in the North-East theatre of operations.
Military authorities assured that operations under Operation Hadin Kai would continue to intensify pressure on terrorist elements until normalcy is fully restored in the region.
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustlers in Maiduguri
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