Crime
Terrorism: Woman bags 20 years jail term on DSS Charges of Unlawful Possession of 302 Rounds of Live Ammunition
Terrorism: Woman bags 20 years jail term on DSS Charges of Unlawful Possession of 302 Rounds of Live Ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday sentenced a housewife, Halima Haliru Umar, to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition and supporting acts of terrorism.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa after the defendant pleaded guilty to two out of a four-count charge filed against her by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Yilwa held that the growing menace of banditry and terrorism in the country had become a serious threat to national security and should not be handled with leniency.
The judge noted that although the convict appeared remorseful and pleaded for mercy, offences connected to terrorism and arms trafficking remained grave threats to the safety of citizens.
The court heard that the convict admitted serving as a courier for the transportation of ammunition intended for bandits operating in Plateau State.
During the trial, the first prosecution witness and DSS operative, Fahad Tahir, told the court that the accused was arrested on July 6, 2025, with 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle ammunition and N57,100 cash while allegedly transporting the items to armed bandits in Plateau.
According to Tahir, the defendant made a confessional statement in Hausa language at the DSS Plateau State Command, where she disclosed that one Alhaji Sani had sent her to Zaria in Kaduna State to procure the ammunition from another individual.
The witness further stated that the accused was later transferred to the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja on Aug. 11, 2025, where another interview was conducted in the presence of a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council.
He said the defendant again admitted ownership and transportation of the ammunition and cash exhibits.
The prosecution counsel, Dr. Callistus Samson Ezeh, tendered the 302 rounds of ammunition, the cash sum of N57,100, and the defendant’s statements as exhibits before the court.
The exhibits were admitted without objection from defence counsel, Hamza Dantani.
In open court, the defendant also admitted being in possession of the ammunition and cash at the time of her arrest.
One of the charges stated that the convict knowingly rendered support for acts of terrorism by transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition between Katsina and Plateau States, contrary to Section 13(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Another charge accused her of unlawful possession of ammunition contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, 2004.
The DSS also accused the defendant of concealing information about suspected gunrunners and kidnappers allegedly linked to terrorist activities.
Following her guilty plea and review of the evidence presented, Justice Yilwa convicted and sentenced the defendant to 20 years imprisonment.
Terrorism: Woman bags 20 years jail term on DSS Charges of Unlawful Possession of 302 Rounds of Live Ammunition
Crime
Troops gun down suspected Fulani militia member, recover two motorcycles after two female miners killed in Plateau
Troops gun down suspected Fulani militia member, recover two motorcycles after two female miners killed in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have killed one suspected Fulani militia member and recovered two motorcycles following an exchange of fire after an attack on three female civilian miners at an illegal mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, when troops received a distress call reporting an attack on civilians at the mining site.
The sources said that upon arrival, the troops confirmed that three female miners had been shot by suspected Fulani militias. Two of the victims died at the scene, while the third sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, where she is currently receiving medical attention.
The bodies of the two deceased victims were deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital.
The sources said troops subsequently launched an operation to track the assailants and made contact with suspected members of the militia at Rungan Jallo, where an exchange of fire ensued.
During the encounter, troops killed one suspected militia member and recovered two motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers.
The exchange of fire also resulted in about seven huts being engulfed by fire at Digan Jallo.
Troops have continued to comb the area through aggressive patrols in search of other perpetrators who fled the scene.
Further details are expected as the operation continues.
Troops gun down suspected Fulani militia member, recover two motorcycles after two female miners killed in Plateau
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescue 49 travellers from suspected kidnappers in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 49 travellers from Kano State who were returning from Senegal after attending a Maulud programme, following an attempted kidnap incident in Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the travellers came under threat from suspected kidnappers after their vehicle reportedly developed a fault while they were travelling through the area.
The troops responded to the incident and successfully rescued all 49 travellers from the suspected kidnappers.
The rescued victims were later handed over to the Chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area, Malam Garba Shehu Fanchers, during the night for immediate welfare and medical assessment.
The local government authorities were expected to facilitate their safe reunification with their families after the necessary checks.
The successful rescue highlights the ongoing efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect travellers and communities against kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescue 49 travellers from suspected kidnappers in Zamfara
Troops intercept six cattle over alleged farm destruction in Jos South
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intercepted six cattle following a report of alleged farm destruction in Gero Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, when troops deployed at Gero responded to a report of farm destruction in the area.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops intercepted six cattle, while the herders reportedly escaped with other cattle.
The intercepted livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location for further necessary action.
Security personnel are expected to continue monitoring the area to prevent further incidents and maintain peace between farming and herding communities.
Troops intercept six cattle over alleged farm destruction in Jos South
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