Eight killed in fresh Plateau attack by Fulani Bandits as troops intensify clearance operations

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected Fulani Bandits have killed eight residents in Mbwelle Village, Kwatas District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau, in the latest wave of tit for tat attacks in the state.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on April 9, according to security sources.

The victims were identified as Habila Istifanus (38), Hassan Istifanus (31), Iliya Mangut (70), Sunday Gideon (31), Innocent Banabas (20), Lucky Titus (38), Wisdom Lucky (15), and Bwehsun Hassan (25).

Joint security forces responded to the distress call but did not establish contact with the attackers, who fled before their arrival.

A security source attributed the delayed response to the distance of about 15 kilometres between the troops’ base and the community, as well as difficult terrain.

All casualties, including the injured, were evacuated to Bokkos Cottage Hospital, while troops have launched pursuit operations to apprehend the fleeing militia.

Earlier on April 9, troops under Operation Wutan Daji recorded a major operational success in Wase and Kanam LGAs, neutralising 13 suspected terrorists during an offensive along identified corridors in Daba and Seri villages.

The troops had established blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and Odare Forest, where they intercepted armed elements moving on motorcycles.

Recovered items included two motorcycles, five 25-litre jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), one AK-47 rifle, and a magazine loaded with three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Military sources said several fleeing terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds, while clearance operations remain ongoing.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted clearance operations in Daji Madam Forest, targeting camps at Dogo Ruwa and Bogwas.

The operation, supported by troops of a Combat Support Infantry Battalion and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims and the destruction of multiple bandits’ enclaves, including one linked to a notorious leader identified as Auta Kachalla.

Items recovered included one G3 rifle, four magazines, three generating sets, and a solar panel.

Despite these gains, security incidents have persisted across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, and surrounding areas.

On April 8, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) foiled an attack on commuters along the Razat–Kafi Abu road in Barkin Ladi LGA, where one civilian was killed and two others injured.

Later the same day, troops repelled a militia attack along the same axis and conducted a cordon-and-search operation in Suma Suga Takwok, recovering two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

In Riyom LGA, one civilian was killed in an ambush along the Dagbam bridge axis on the GOL–HOSS–Bwei road, while two others escaped unhurt. Troops also foiled an attack on Jol community on April 7, forcing the assailants to retreat without casualties.

Similarly, troops rescued one victim and recovered ammunition following an earlier attack in Dum village, Bachi District, where another victim was found dead.

Security operatives also intercepted 16 stray cattle grazing on farmland in Tahoss community, an incident linked to recurring disputes between farmers and herders.

The pattern of violence reflects a sustained cycle of reprisals between farming communities and pastoral groups.

On April 5, a Fulani herder, identified as Abubakar Hababe (40), was found dead in Riyom LGA in what sources described as a reprisal attack. The killing by suspected Berom Militia was reportedly linked to earlier incidents, including the attack on an illegal mining site in Gyel village where three miners were killed.

Other incidents include the discovery of the body of a 30-year-old herder, Shafiyu, in Jos South LGA, and the killing of a Fulani boy, Abdullahi Mohammed, in Mangu LGA.

Tensions were escalated since March 28, after the assassination of a Fulani leader, Alhaji Bilyaminu Julde, the Ardo of Gindiri in Barkin Ladi LGA.

Security reports also identified repeated destruction of farmlands and cattle rustling, further aggravating hostilities between communities.

Authorities said troops and other security agencies have intensified patrols, surveillance, and community engagements across affected LGAs to prevent further escalation.

“Operations are ongoing to dominate the general areas, dismantle criminal networks, and restore normalcy,” a security source said.

The developments illustrate the complexity of the security situation in Plateau, where counter-terrorism operations intersect with long-standing communal tensions, making sustained peace efforts increasingly challenging.

Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm, avoid reprisals, and provide credible information to support ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace in the state.

Eight killed in fresh Plateau attack by Fulani Bandits as troops intensify clearance operations

Zagazola defends Gebi, urges Nigeria not to discard “one of its best minds” over allegations

By: Zagazola Makama

Counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has called for a fair and balanced assessment of the career and contributions of former lawmaker and security governance expert, Mr Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi, amid ongoing allegations of providing false intelligence to foreign embassies.

Makama appealed to Nigerian government not to dismiss Mr Gebi, over ongoing allegations, urging Nigeria to carefully weigh his long record of service in national security and diplomacy.

Makama, who spoke in reaction to the controversy surrounding alleged intelligence-related activities linked to Gebi, stressed that Nigeria must evaluate his long-standing record of service in both kinetic and non-kinetic aspects of national security rather than isolate him based on allegations.

He said Gebi remained one of the country’s finest notable figures in security governance, regional diplomacy, and conflict resolution architecture, noting that his contributions over the years cut across legislative oversight, governance, counter-terrorism engagement, and high-level diplomatic mediation.

According to him, Gebi’s past involvement in sensitive national assignments, including inter-agency coordination efforts and regional stabilization initiatives, places him among a small pool of Nigerian actors with practical exposure to both domestic and transnational security dynamics.

Makama recalled that Gebi played roles in legislative security oversight during his tenure in the House of Representatives, where he chaired security-related committees and participated in discussions shaping internal security responses at a time of growing insurgency threats in the country.

He further noted his participation in regional engagements under ECOWAS frameworks, where he contributed to discussions on border security, free movement protocols, and counter-terrorism cooperation among West African states.

The analyst also highlighted Gebi’s involvement in non-kinetic interventions, particularly diplomatic engagements aimed at de-escalating tensions between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, including efforts to restore communication channels during periods of strained bilateral relations.

Makama added that Gebi’s role in broader regional security dialogues involving Nigeria, Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso demonstrated his exposure to multinational coordination mechanisms and alternative conflict resolution approaches outside conventional military operations.

He stressed that individuals with such background often operate within sensitive intelligence and diplomatic environments where misinterpretations can easily arise, noting that such complexity should not be ignored in public judgment.

“Nigeria must not to discard one of its best hands in the non-kinetic and strategic communication space based on allegations that are still under investigation. “Nigeria cannot afford to lose experienced actors in its security ecosystem without full and fair consideration of their track records,”Makama said.

He added that Nigeria’s security challenges required experienced bridge-builders capable of working across intelligence, diplomacy, and civil-military coordination, rather than a narrowing of the country’s human capacity pool through premature exclusion.

He said that the former lawmaker had, over the years, participated in several high-level policy engagements, advocacy programmes, and security governance platforms, where he consistently advocated for stronger intelligence sharing, regional cooperation, and a whole-of-government approach to insecurity in West Africa.

“Whether in formal government assignments or informal diplomatic engagements, Gebi has consistently positioned himself on the side of Nigeria’s national interest,” Makama stated.

The security analyst also highlighted Gebi’s public communication role, noting that he had frequently used social media platforms, particularly Twitter, to mobilise youth engagement around national unity, counter-extremism narratives, and civic responsibility, describing it as part of modern strategic communication in security governance.

According to him, such engagements formed part of modern strategic communication efforts that complement kinetic military operations with information-driven stabilization strategies.

Makama cautioned that isolating individuals who have contributed significantly to national security discourse based solely on allegations could discourage future participation by experts in sensitive intelligence and diplomatic engagements.

The nation must judge fairly, investigate thoroughly, but also remember those who have consistently worked to keep it stable. Gebi is one of them.

Zagazola defends Gebi, urges Nigeria not to discard “one of its best minds” over allegations

AWCN hosts interagency seminar on intelligence sharing for national security

By: Zagazola Makama

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) has held its 2026 Interagency Seminar at the Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration among security and intelligence agencies.

The event, which formed part of the Higher Military Strategy and Management Course, brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders and retired generals to deliberate on improving national security architecture.

Brig.-Gen. M.B. Marwa (rtd) graced the occasion as Special Guest of Honour, while a lecture titled “Bridging Intelligence Gaps Among Security Agencies for Enhanced National Security” was delivered by Maj.-Gen. S.A. Adebayo (rtd).

The lecture was followed by an interactive discussion session where participants shared perspectives on enhancing coordination, intelligence sharing and interagency cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges.

Organisers said the seminar was successfully conducted without any incident, adding that it underscored the importance of synergy among security agencies in tackling contemporary threats.

AWCN hosts interagency seminar on intelligence sharing for national security