Crime
The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna
The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
In times of crisis, the greatest threats are often believed to come from outside terrorists, kidnappers, or criminals lurking in the shadows. Yet, as the tragic murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State reveals, sometimes the most dangerous enemy is the one within.
Father Okechukwu was not just a clergyman; he was a man who dedicated his life to service and faith. But even within the sanctity of his home, danger lurked. The person who orchestrated his abduction and eventual murder was not a faceless criminal from a distant land, but someone who shared his living space.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN made a major breakthrough on March 25, 2025, when they arrested the killers of Father Okechukwu. Acting on intelligence, security forces raided the hideout of the prime suspect, 33-year-old Pate Yau, at a Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village, Lere Local Government Area (LGA). Under questioning, Yau confessed that he had been contracted to carry out the abduction by none other than Douglas Henry a man who lived under the same roof as the slain priest.
The revelation was as chilling as it was tragic. Douglas Henry, a man trusted enough to share a home with the priest, had allegedly masterminded the crime. Acting swiftly, troops proceeded to Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA, where Henry was arrested. Both suspects are now in custody, undergoing further interrogation.
The brutal murder of Father Okechukwu forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: sometimes, the greatest threats do not come from strangers but from those closest to us. The concept of the enemy within is not new, but it is one that continues to haunt societies worldwide. Whether it is betrayal within families, workplaces, or communities, the pain of being harmed by someone trusted cuts deeper than any wound inflicted by an outsider.
In this case, Father Okechukwu’s killers were not unknown bandits roaming the forests; they were people who knew his routines, his vulnerabilities, and, tragically, his kindness. It is a chilling reminder that while we often look outward for danger, we must also be vigilant about those within our circles.
The arrest of the suspects is a victory for security forces, but it also serves as a cautionary tale. Nigerians, particularly those in positions of service and leadership, must exercise caution in their interactions and associations. The rising cases of kidnappings and assassinations orchestrated by trusted associates are a stark warning loyalty is not always guaranteed, and familiarity does not always mean safety.
This case also point to the need for improved intelligence gathering and communal vigilance. Security forces can only do so much; communities must play their part by reporting suspicious activities and individuals. Trust is essential in any society, but blind trust can be dangerous.
The enemy within is often the hardest to detect, but it is also the most dangerous. As Nigeria grapples with insecurity, it is crucial that people remain vigilant not just against external threats, but also against those who might be hiding in plain sight.
The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna
Notorious drug peddler killed during police raid in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected drug peddler and member of a criminal gang was killed during a police operation at Sabuwar Anguwa, Katsina Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Zagazola report that on Dec. 27, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., the Central Market Surveillance Team, led by ASP Audu Isah, acting on credible intelligence, raided the location and arrested one Uzairu Abubakar, also known as Uzairu Kuda, a notorious drug dealer and member of the Kauraye miscreants.
The sources said the suspect was found in possession of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, Pregabalin tablets, and Colorado. During the arrest, he resisted and raised an alarm, prompting gang members to attack the police team.
The assailants reportedly stoned the back screen of a covert Honda Jazz vehicle.
According to the sources, the suspect drew a knife and stabbed the second-in-command of the surveillance team, ASP Ibrahim Yusuf, on the neck. In the ensuing confrontation, the officer discharged his firearm, injuring the suspect, who was taken to General Hospital Katsina and confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
Exhibits, including the suspected drugs and weapon, were recovered, and the corpse was released to the family for burial.
Investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being sustained to apprehend other members of the gang.
Notorious drug peddler killed during police raid in Katsina
One killed, livestock rustled as bandits attack Fulani settlements in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits have killed one person and rustled livestock following attacks on two Fulani settlement camps on the outskirts of Kauyen Gabas Village, Karare District, Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A source told Zagazola Makama on Monday that the attacks occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 20.
According to the source, the bandits entered the settlements, shot one person fatally, and made away with an unascertained number of livestock.
“Troops and other security forces from the neighboring areas have blocked anticipated exit routes, and cordon and search operations are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and recover the rustled animals,” the source said.
Residents in the area have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to ensure safety and security.
One killed, livestock rustled as bandits attack Fulani settlements in Katsina
Troops intercept vehicles conveying suspected ISWAP logistics in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force intercepted two pickup vans conveying assorted items suspected to be logistics supplies for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception followed credible human intelligence indicating the movement of the items from Dapchi through the Magumeri general area.
According to the source, the troops intercepted the vehicles during the operation and took the drivers into custody for further interrogation.
Items recovered from the two vehicles included 31 spare tyres, 23 spare rims, two bicycles, 12 key starters, three alternators, two bags of flour, one mattress, five bags of charcoal, 34 tubers of yam, two blankets, nylon bags containing garri, adult and children clothing, one power bank, six mobile phones and a cash sum of N92,600.
The source added that the vehicles and recovered items were currently in custody, while investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and possible links to ISWAP logistics networks.
The troops, the source said, remained committed to disrupting the movement of supplies to terrorist groups and maintaining pressure on criminal elements across the area of responsibility.
Troops intercept vehicles conveying suspected ISWAP logistics in Yobe
Notorious drug peddler killed during police raid in Katsina
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
Troops neutralise key Boko Haram commanders in Bama airstrikes
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