Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau, Move for Peaceful Resolution

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Safe Haven have intervened in a reported farm destruction incident in Lamingo village, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:10 a.m. on May 3 when troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 12), Lamingo, responded to a distress report of cattle grazing within the compound of one Mrs. Shittu Yakubu.

The sources disclosed that upon arrival, the troops intercepted the cattle, while the herder fled the scene on sighting security personnel.

According to the sources, the owner of the cattle, identified as Alhaji Mamuda Ibrahim, has since been contacted to facilitate an amicable resolution of the incident.

They added that the situation was brought under control without further escalation.

The sources noted that efforts are ongoing to strengthen community engagement and prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the area.

Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau, Move for Peaceful Resolution

Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi After Pursuit of Abductors

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued five kidnapped victims following a swift response to a kidnap incident along the Okpella–Okene Road in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:43 a.m. on May 3 by troops of 195 Battalion (Reinforced) deployed at Forward Operating Base Okpella.

The sources disclosed that the troops, while on night patrol, responded to a distress call indicating that a vehicle had been attacked and its occupants abducted.

According to the sources, the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bush.

They added that five victims were successfully rescued during the operation, while two of them sustained injuries.

The injured victims were evacuated to the ENAW Dialysis Centre for medical attention, while others were stabilised.

The sources noted that follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities along the axis.

Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi After Pursuit of Abductors

Where Justice Mark Chidiebere Crossed the Line

By Zagazola Makama

The recent arrest and handover of Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, to the Department of Security Services has sparked predictable debates about free speech, accountability, and the limits of online activism. But beneath the noise lies a more serious issue one that goes beyond blogging and into the sensitive terrain of national security.

From available details, the turning point was not mere criticism of the military. Democracies tolerate, and even benefit from, scrutiny of their institutions. The red line appears to have been crossed when private conversations between the blogger and serving soldiers suggested alignment around “change of government.” In any country, that phrase, especially when involving active-duty personnel is not taken lightly. No professional military, whether in Nigeria or elsewhere, would ignore such signals once credible evidence emerges.

The Nigerian Army’s response, therefore, should be viewed through that lens. This is an institution that has, in recent months, remained alert to internal and external threats, including failed attempts by rogue elements to destabilise the system. When a civilian is perceived rightly or wrongly to be encouraging disaffection or coercing soldiers within the ranks, it triggers an entirely different category of concern. At that point, it is no longer about opinion, it becomes a question of discipline, cohesion, and national stability.

This is where many content creators must draw a hard lesson. The digital space is not a vacuum. Conversations especially with uniformed personnel carry consequences. Amplifying unverified allegations, engaging soldiers in sensitive political discussions, or projecting narratives that could be interpreted as incitement can quickly move from advocacy into dangerous territory. The line is not always visible, but it is very real.

There is also the broader issue of responsibility. Too often, fragments of internal grievances are pushed into the public domain without context or verification, feeding a cycle where the military is portrayed only through its shortcomings. While criticism is legitimate, a pattern of reckless amplification erodes public confidence and, more importantly, can embolden hostile actors who thrive on internal discord.

If indeed the conversations attributed to Justice Mark Chidiebere reflect attempts to influence serving soldiers toward political ends, then the response by authorities was not just expected; it was inevitable.

What we must all know is that freedom of expression does not extend to actions that could undermine the stability of the state. In an era where a single message can travel faster than any bullet, knowing where the line is and choosing not to cross it has never been more important.

Where Justice Mark Chidiebere Crossed the Line