Crime
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
In the fight against the hydra-headed menace of banditry, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major breakthrough in Plateau, neutralising a notorious gunrunner and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
The feat, achieved between Sept. 4 and 6, highlights the military’s growing resolve to dismantle the criminal logistics networks that have long sustained armed violence in the North-Central.
The gunrunner, described as a “high-value target” by security sources, had allegedly played a critical role in supplying bandits with rifles, magazines, and other logistics across Plateau and neighbouring states.
His neutralisation, officials say, has dealt a heavy blow to the illicit supply chain that has prolonged insecurity in the region.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that credible intelligence led troops to track the suspect to a hideout where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds on Sept. 4. He was swiftly apprehended and later confessed to his role as a logistics supplier, even agreeing to lead troops to his arms cache.
Two days later, on Sept. 6, troops launched a follow-up operation at the identified hideout. The mission, however, was anything but routine. As troops closed in, they came under heavy fire from the suspect’s gang members, resulting in a fierce exchange.
In the chaos, the gunrunner attempted to escape but was neutralised by the troops’ superior firepower. His cohorts, badly shaken by the encounter, fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
The troops subsequently combed the area, uncovering the concealed weapons: two AK-47 rifles and two magazines, which are now in custody.
The recovery, though modest in numbers, represents something bigger in the larger security equation: the deliberate targeting of supply chains that keep bandits armed and emboldened.
The bandit gangs rely not only on local recruits but also on a shadowy network of financiers, informants, and arms dealers. By dismantling this network, the military is effectively cutting off the oxygen that sustains criminal groups.
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South
By: Zagazola Makama
Decomposed body of a man earlier reported kidnapped has been discovered in a mining pond in Farin Lamba community of Jos South Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola that the discovery was made by the police at about 4 p.m. following a report by residents.
He said the Divisional Police Officer, Kaduna Vom Division, immediately mobilised a team of policemen to the scene where the corpse was identified as that of Mr. Cyril Nilanda, a resident of NITR Quarters, Vom.
Nilanda was reportedly kidnapped on Sept. 30, 2025, and had been missing since then.
Sources said the body, which was found in a decomposed state, was being prepared for evacuation and further forensic examination.
The police assured that concerted efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the abduction and killing of the victim.
Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South
Man abducted after delivering ransom for kidnapped child in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
A man identified as Ocholi Cornelius Ochoni has been abducted after delivering ransom money for the release of a five-year-old girl in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident, which occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, took place around Echukwu area of Bassa, when Ocholi went to hand over ransom money to the kidnappers to secure the release of Omaojo Philip, who had been kidnapped earlier in the week.
It was gathered that the abductors released the child unharmed after receiving the ransom but seized Ocholi immediately afterward and took him away to an unknown destination.
Efforts are ongoing by security agencies to trace the whereabouts of the victim and ensure his safe return.
Man abducted after delivering ransom for kidnapped child in Kogi
Bauchi police arrest suspect over alleged killing of singer John Zuya
By: Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State have arrested a suspect in connection with the death of popular Sayawa artist, John Zuya, whose songs had earned him fans across the country, particularly among his tribesmen.
Zuya had recently traveled to Lagos, where he performed to a large crowd and reportedly earned a significant sum of money.
However, shortly after returning from the trip, he died under mysterious circumstances, sparking shock across his community.
A few days later, Yakubu Alhamdu, Deputy Chairman of Zayoda, Tafawa Balewa branch, claimed in a video shared on his Facebook platform that Zuya was allegedly killed by his friend, Emmanuel Wakili, also a Sayawa artist.
In the video, Alhamdu stated that Wakili confessed to killing Zuya out of jealousy, explaining that he captured Zuya’s soul (“Kurwa”) in a small bag and struck his head until he died. Alhamdu noted that this accounted for the blood seen on Zuya’s forehead after his death.
The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with many residents seeking justice.
Following the report, police traced and arrested Wakili, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Zuya’s death.
Bauchi police arrest suspect over alleged killing of singer John Zuya
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