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SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms
SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms
By: Michael Mike
Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA) has strongly condemned the killing of innocent civilians in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos, Plateau State, describing the attack as a grave violation of human rights and a threat to national security.
In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said the tragic incident reportedly occurred on March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a gathering of civilians, leaving several people dead and others injured.
SOJA said the attack, regardless of the identities or affiliations of the victims, represents a serious assault on human life and dignity, stressing that no society can thrive where citizens live under constant threats of violence.
“The perpetrators of such acts are not invisible forces—they are individuals who must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice under the law,” the organisation stated.
The advocacy group emphasised that violence should never be viewed through religious, ethnic or social lenses, noting that the sanctity of human life transcends all divisions.
It added that the killings constitute violations of several international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, all of which guarantee the right to life and personal security.
The organisation also cited provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 33(1), which guarantees the right to life, and Section 14(2)(b), which states that the security and welfare of citizens shall be the primary purpose of government.
According to SOJA, Nigeria has obligations under international human rights law to protect citizens from violence and to implement effective measures that ensure the realization of the right to life and security.
The group noted that repeated incidents of violent attacks in parts of the country point to gaps in preventive security mechanisms and response systems, urging authorities to urgently address the situation.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies, SOJA called on the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, and relevant security institutions to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the killings.
It also urged authorities to ensure the swift identification, arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the attack and their collaborators.
The organisation further recommended strengthening intelligence gathering and community-based security systems, reviewing existing legal and operational security frameworks, and improving inter-agency coordination and rapid response mechanisms.
SOJA also called for adequate support and relief for victims and affected families.
“Nigeria must not become a society where the right to life is routinely undermined by acts of violence,” the statement said. “Every loss of life is a blow to our shared humanity and national stability.”
The group stressed that decisive action was necessary to restore public confidence, strengthen the country’s security architecture and uphold the rule of law.
SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms
Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Fighter, Recover Weapons in Anambra Offensive
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 185 Battalion, in collaboration with the Military Police, Department of State Services and local vigilantes, have neutralised an IPOB/ESN operative during an offensive operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation was conducted at about 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following intelligence on suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds at Obene Village and Abator Village, within the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to a military situation update obtained by Zagazola Makama, troops launched a dawn assault on the identified positions, forcing the terrorists to flee while engaging the advancing troops with gunfire.
The troops pursued the fleeing fighters and followed blood stains along their withdrawal route. One of the terrorists was subsequently neutralised, while the fleeing members of the group reportedly escaped with the corpse of another operative killed during the operation.
Troops recovered two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices, alongside other sundry items.
However, the operation suffered a fatal setback when a soldier, identified as Private Danladi Zakariya, stepped on an IED while troops were returning to their start line.
The explosive detonated in situ, causing severe injuries to the soldier. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital but unfortunately died from severe blood loss while being transported.
His remains have been deposited at the St. Charles Borromeo Hospital mortuary in Onitsha.
Despite the loss, the troops maintained control of the area and continued offensive operations against the suspected IPOB/ESN elements.
The military said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high as operations continued to deny the terrorists freedom of action within the area.
Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Fighter, Recover Weapons in Anambra Offensive
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Battalion, operating under Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V, have arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 7:52 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, after surveillance personnel attached to the battalion’s CCTV system spotted them within the frontage of the military location.
A military Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama identified the suspects as Umar Mohammed, 60; Abubakar Goni, 42; Abba Ali, 39; Umaru Yusuf, 30; and Ibrahim Bukar.
Following the sighting, troops were immediately mobilised and successfully apprehended the five suspects.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the route used by the suspects had been identified as a Boko Haram terrorist logistics axis where troops routinely conduct strangulation operations aimed at disrupting the movement of fighters, weapons, food and other supplies.
During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be charcoal workers and baobab fruit pickers.
The military said the suspects were being profiled and would subsequently be handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.
The development forms part of sustained intelligence-led operations by troops to identify and disrupt terrorist logistics networks operating within the North-East.
The military further stated that the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Truck Along Gajiram-Mairari Road
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, under Operation DESERT SANITY V, have foiled an attempted attack by terrorists on commuters along the Gajiram-Mairari axis of Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 10:21 a.m. on Friday, August 21, when troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, conducting a picketing operation along the Gajiram-Mairari Main Supply Route, observed suspected terrorists riding motorcycles emerging from a nearby bush.
According to a military Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the terrorists opened fire on a trailer truck, damaging one of its tyres with small-arms fire.
The troops immediately responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their attack and flee into the surrounding area.
During the attack, the truck’s seat and side mirror were also damaged.
The troops subsequently assisted the driver and successfully extricated the vehicle from the scene, before returning to base at about 2:30 p.m.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
The incident underscores the continued threat posed by terrorists along major supply routes in the North-East, as security forces sustain patrols and protective operations to safeguard commuters and critical road networks.
Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Truck Along Gajiram-Mairari Road
Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Fighter, Recover Weapons in Anambra Offensive
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Truck Along Gajiram-Mairari Road
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