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The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna

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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

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Army says no incident recorded along Abuja-Kaduna corridor due to troops’ sustained Operations – Commander

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Army says no incident recorded along Abuja-Kaduna corridor due to troops’ sustained Operations – Commander

By: Zagazola Makama

The Commander, Sub Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YANMA, Sector 1, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Col. I.R. Adom, says sustained military operations and proactive deployment of troops have ensured that no major security incident has been recorded along the Abuja-Kaduna road and rail corridor in the last four years.

Adom stated this during a media tour of military formations in Kaduna organised for defence correspondents.

He said the primary responsibility of Sub Sector 4 was to provide security along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway and rail corridor, as well as adjoining communities, critical national infrastructure and other strategic facilities within its area of responsibility.

According to him, troops have maintained relentless pressure on bandits and other criminal elements operating around the corridor, leading to improved security and freedom of movement for commuters.

“Our primary responsibility is the security of the Abuja-Kaduna road and rail corridor, as well as the adjoining critical national infrastructure, communities and associated facilities on the corridor.

“So far, the operation has been going on very well and, as you can attest, the road has remained quite secure.

“For about two years now, there has been no major security incident on the road. This is due to the proactive actions of the troops deployed on both the road and rail corridors,” he said.

The commander added that troops also respond swiftly to distress calls from communities located along the corridor and within the operational area.

He disclosed that troops recently rescued some kidnapped victims along the Katari-Gurara axis, an area that had previously experienced security challenges.

“About two weeks ago, we rescued some kidnap victims along the Katari-Gurara road. That is another corridor where we have been working hard to contain security threats.

“Today, people can travel from Katari to Gurara and from Gurara to Katari without any major disturbances,” he said.

Adom said troops routinely conduct offensive operations against criminal elements and were preparing for another operation at the time of the media visit.

On the activities of bandit groups within the area, the commander said troops had continued to neutralise criminal elements whenever encountered during operations.

He also confirmed a recent clash between rival bandit groups along the Rijana and Gwagwada axes.

“There was an infighting among some bandit groups along the Rijana axis and also the Gwagwada axis.

“Some bandits were neutralised during the clash. It was an infighting between two groups over cattle rustling activities.

“Some of the corpses were later recovered and brought for burial,” he said.

Adom assured residents of the military’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at denying bandits freedom of action and maintaining security along the strategic Abuja-Kaduna corridor and surrounding communities.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the area.

Army says no incident recorded along Abuja-Kaduna corridor due to troops’ sustained Operations – Commander

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Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

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Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a suspected terrorist scout during an ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:15 p.m. on June 6 by troops of the 73 Battalion (Main) following intelligence reports indicating the presence and movement of suspected terrorists around Malari village.

According to the sources, the troops deployed to the area and laid an ambush after receiving information suggesting that insurgents were massing within the vicinity.

During the operation, the troops reportedly observed an individual suspected to be conducting reconnaissance approaching from the direction of Malari village.

The sources said the suspect was challenged and ordered to stop but allegedly continued advancing toward the troops’ position.

The troops subsequently engaged the suspect, who was neutralised during the encounter.

The operation forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts aimed at preventing attacks on military positions and communities within the North-East region.

Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing surveillance and offensive operations across the area to deny insurgents freedom of movement.

Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested a suspected kidnappers’ informant and recovered a pistol during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Yahaya Haruna, was arrested in the early hours of June 7 at Mungi village following intelligence linking him to criminal elements operating in the area.

According to the sources, troops of Sub-Sector 81 deployed at Gyambwas carried out the operation at about 12:15 a.m. after receiving credible information on the suspect’s alleged activities.

The sources said a search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of one pistol believed to be connected to criminal operations.

“Acting on intelligence, troops arrested the suspect and conducted a search of his house, during which one pistol was recovered,” the sources said.

They added that the suspect and the recovered weapon were taken into custody for further investigation.

Security officials said preliminary investigations were ongoing to establish the suspect’s alleged links with kidnapping syndicates and determine the source of the recovered firearm.

They noted that efforts were also being intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.

The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at disrupting kidnapping networks and dismantling criminal support structures across Plateau State.

Authorities urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

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