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
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested four suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a criminal hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:30 p.m. on June 25 at the Congo Russia area of Jos North as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb drug-related activities in the state.
During the raid, troops arrested four suspects identified as Isah Mohammed, 20; Nura Kabil, 19; Hamisu Rabiu, 21; and Yakubu Mohammed, 35.
The troops also recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa from the suspects during the operation.
Sources said the suspects have been profiled and are currently in custody for further necessary action, while investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the illicit drug network.
The operation forms part of sustained security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to rid Plateau State of criminal elements and deny drug traffickers safe havens within the state.
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
Crime
Troops Neutralise militia, Recover Rustled Livestock After Attack During Clearance Operation in Plateau
Troops Neutralise militia, Recover Rustled Livestock After Attack During Clearance Operation in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have neutralised a suspected militia following an attack on security personnel during a clearance operation in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 7:00 a.m. on June 26 following credible reports on the activities of armed livestock rustlers around the Gero high grounds in Jos South LGA.
During the operation, the troops intercepted a herd of cattle allegedly grazing on cultivated farmland.
The sources said the troops came under sporadic gunfire from suspected militia shortly after the interception.
The troops responded by holding their position and calling for reinforcements.
Additional troops from Sector 3 at Rafin Bauna, alongside other reinforcements led by the Commander of Sector 6, swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a firefight.
During the encounter, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while others fled the scene.
A search of the area led to the recovery of two mobile phones and the sum of ₦14,000, believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
The intercepted cattle were moved to a safe location for further necessary action.
Military sources said troops have continued clearance operations and domination patrols across the area to forestall further attacks and deny criminal elements freedom of action in Plateau State.
Troops Neutralise militia, Recover Rustled Livestock After Attack During Clearance Operation in Plateau
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Plateau, Intensify Hunt for Abductors
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued three kidnap victims in separate operations in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State following sustained rescue missions against criminal elements.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first operation was launched at about 7:30 p.m. on June 25 after troops of Sector 1 OPEP received a report that one Yusuf Usman had been abducted at Ruga Gurum in Bassa LGA.
The troops, in collaboration with Keystone operatives, immediately commenced a rescue operation at the suspected hideout of the kidnappers.
During the operation, it was discovered that the victim had escaped from his captors before the arrival of the security team. He was subsequently evacuated to Alheri Hospital for medical examination, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the kidnappers.
In a related development, troops sustained pressure on kidnappers who had earlier abducted travellers along the Jos–Zaria Road at Mista Ali in Bassa LGA.
The continued rescue operation forced the kidnappers to release the two remaining victims, identified as Owen Henry and Joshua Samuel Adeleke, both from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Security sources said the victims were safely recovered, while troops have continued aggressive patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent criminal elements from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.
The military urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across Plateau State.
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Plateau, Intensify Hunt for Abductors
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Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
Troops Neutralise militia, Recover Rustled Livestock After Attack During Clearance Operation in Plateau
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Plateau, Intensify Hunt for Abductors
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