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
Crime
Troops Repel Deadly Ambush by Armed Berom Militia in Plateau, Recover Nine Dead Cattle After Attack on Herdsmen
Troops Repel Deadly Ambush by Armed Berom Militia in Plateau, Recover Nine Dead Cattle After Attack on Herdsmen
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have repelled a deadly ambush by suspected armed Berom militia during a response operation following targeted attacks on cattle in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on May 10, 2026, after troops received reports of gunshots around Gero area in Jos South LGA.
The sources said troops of Sector 3 swiftly mobilised to the scene in support of personnel of Sector 6 OPEP already operating within the area.
While attempting to link up with Sector 6 troops, the security personnel reportedly came under ambush from suspected armed Berom militia who allegedly attempted to encircle the troops from surrounding mountainous areas.
Troops, however, responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw toward Nyango and Daron communities within Jos South LGA.
Military sources said troops expended ammunition during the exchange while continuing pursuit operations across the general area.
Following the operation, troops confirmed that nine cows were killed while five others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
A herder identified as Aliyu Yusuf also sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed for medical treatment.
The attack in Jos South is not an isolated incident. Only recently in Mangu Local Government Area, troops deployed to stop attacks linked to illegal mining unrest came under deadly assault from another groups of armed Militia.
During the confrontation, a senior Nigerian Army officer was killed after troops were attacked while attempting to restore order. Two of the armed terrorists were instantly gunned down.
Troops have since intensified patrols and domination operations within the affected communities to prevent further attacks and restore calm.
Zagazola report Violence keeps recycling itself because armed groups on all sides continue launching attacks knowing that ethnic sympathy and propaganda will later shield them from accountability.
Troops Repel Deadly Ambush by Armed Berom Militia in Plateau, Recover Nine Dead Cattle After Attack on Herdsmen
Troops Arrest Suspect with Over 1,300 Empty Ammunition Casings in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces headed by the Special Adviser of the Borno State government, Ibrahim Mohammed, who was the former OC Crack in Borno state have arrested a suspect in connection with the discovery of a large quantity of empty ammunition casings following an explosion incident in Kaleri general area of Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that operatives, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), mobilised to the scene at about 9:13 p.m. on May 6, 2026, after receiving information on the explosion.
On arrival, one suspect was apprehended in possession of 1,341 empty cases of 12.7 x 99mm ammunition as well as 47 ammunition boxes.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the recovered items were linked to the suspect’s brother, a soldier serving at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, who allegedly removed warheads from live rounds and diverted the empty casings for illegal sale.
The suspect is currently in police custody while further investigations are ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the diversion and possible network involved.
Troops Arrest Suspect with Over 1,300 Empty Ammunition Casings in Borno
Crime
23 Suspects, Including Notorious Gang Leader, Transferred After Joint Security Screening in Adamawa
23 Suspects, Including Notorious Gang Leader, Transferred After Joint Security Screening in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Security agencies have transferred 23 suspected criminals, including a wanted gang leader, to the Adamawa State Police Command following a joint screening operation in Mubi South and Mubi North Local Government Areas.
Security sources told Zagazola that the development followed a joint raid conducted on May 6, 2026, in which 73 suspects were arrested at a suspected criminal hideout within the area.
The sources said a joint screening exercise was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on May 7, 2026, at the Mubi South Police Division, involving intelligence operatives, military police, Nigeria Police Force representatives and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Following the screening, 50 of the suspects were released to their families after being cleared of direct involvement in criminal activities.
However, 23 suspects were retained for further investigation and subsequently transferred to the Adamawa State Police Command for additional interrogation and possible prosecution.
Among those transferred was a suspected notorious gang leader identified as Mallam Salim Danabba, also known as “Bravo Boy Leader,” who is reportedly on the security watchlist for involvement in organised criminal activities in the area.
Security authorities said the joint operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across Adamawa State and surrounding border communities.
They added that follow-up operations and intelligence-driven raids would continue to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements in the region.
23 Suspects, Including Notorious Gang Leader, Transferred After Joint Security Screening in Adamawa
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