News
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have swiftly intervened in an incident involving the suspected poisoning of livestock in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, where 32 cows belonging to a local herder were reported dead under mysterious circumstances.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in an open field along the Zawura-Jebbu Miango axis, between Dutsen Kura and Jebbu Miango, a region historically prone to ethno-farmer-herder tension.
According to military sources, the affected herder, Mr. Samaila Nuhu, reported that his animals began showing strange symptoms after grazing in the area, prompting suspicions of deliberate poisoning.
Troops under Sector 3 of OPSH, deployed to the scene following a distress call, confirmed that the cattle had already been slaughtered by the herders themselves, in a bid to salvage any usable meat. A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of suspected poisoned tomatoes and garden eggs scattered across the field. No residential structures were found nearby, raising suspicion that the poisoned produce may have been deliberately placed by unknown individuals.
In response, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPSH led a high-powered delegation, including the Chairman of Bassa LGA, the Divisional Police Officer, and other stakeholders, to the site for an on-the-spot assessment. The visit served to calm tensions and forestall any reprisal attacks from the affected Fulani community.
A military source told Zagazola Makama under that the, “The situation was tense but under control. Our engagement with the community, especially the leadership of the herders, was crucial. We made it clear that investigations are ongoing and justice will be pursued through the appropriate channels.”
To further defuse tensions, the military facilitated dialogue with the herders and invited their representatives to an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Division Headquarters scheduled for Thursday. The goal, according to insiders, is to build trust and end the cycle of violence through transparency and proactive conflict resolution.
The herders have reportedly agreed not to retaliate, citing assurances from security agencies that their grievances will be addressed. Military authorities are also exploring options to support the affected families with compensation to mitigate their losses and maintain peace in the area.
As at the time of filing this report, the area remains calm but under close surveillance. Troop morale and operational readiness were reported to be satisfactory.
The incident is the latest in a series of provocations that call attention to the fragility of peace in parts of Plateau State, and the ongoing need for coordinated civil-military interventions to de-escalate conflict triggers in rural communities.
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
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