Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush by Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom

By Zagazola Makama

A Fulani herder identified as Ja’afaru was reportedly shot in an ambush by suspected armed assailants in Tanjol Community, Jol Ward of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, in what residents fear could heighten tensions in the area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, as the victim and other herders were returning home after grazing their cattle.

According to community sources, the group was allegedly ambushed by suspected Berom militia, who opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.

The Fulani community in the area confirmed the incident, stating that Ja’afaru sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The condition of the victim could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.

The incident comes barely 24 hours after another violent attack in the neighbouring Yarwai Community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where suspected assailants reportedly attacked a herder and shot eight cattle.

Security sources said efforts were underway to verify the latest incident and identify those responsible, while troops and other security agencies have intensified patrols in the affected communities to forestall reprisals and maintain public order.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid retaliatory actions, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.

Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush by Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Terrorising Jos–Makurdi Road in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested a suspected kidnapper believed to be part of an armed criminal syndicate responsible for attacks and abductions along the Jos–Makurdi highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 16 during a targeted operation by troops deployed at the Sector’s Standing Operating Base (SOP) in Bangai Village, Riyom LGA.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a member of an armed criminal group that has been terrorising commuters and residents along the Jos–Makurdi road corridor, carrying out kidnappings and other violent crimes within the area.

Security sources said the suspect is currently in military custody and is assisting investigators with useful information aimed at dismantling the criminal network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Terrorising Jos–Makurdi Road in Plateau

Troops Rescue Two Escapees from Terrorist Camp in Gwoza

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued two abductees who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were found wandering around the Armuda Bridge area at about 6:50 a.m. on July 16 and were rescued by troops conducting routine security operations in the area.

During preliminary debriefing, the rescued victims disclosed that they had escaped from a terrorist camp located in the Agapalwa general area after taking advantage of the apparent disarray within the enclave.

According to the victims, the camp had become largely dysfunctional, with no effective leadership, as several terrorist fighters had either fled or sustained injuries during recent military operations.

The accounts provided by the escapees are believed to corroborate ongoing intelligence indicating that sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI have significantly weakened terrorist strongholds across parts of southern Borno.

The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are expected to undergo medical evaluation and further debriefing to obtain actionable intelligence that could support ongoing counterterrorism operations in the area.

Military sources said troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist enclaves to facilitate the rescue of more captives and dismantle the remaining insurgent networks operating in the region.

Troops Rescue Two Escapees from Terrorist Camp in Gwoza