INSECURITY: FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO EXPRESSES SADNESS OVER TERRORIST ATTACK ON COMMUNITIES IN BORGU LGA.

Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago expresses sadness over the terrorist attack on communities in the Borgu local government area of the state.

The farmer governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, describes as cruel and nefarious the terrorist attack that led to the death of many people, the kidnapping of several others, and the destruction of livelihoods.

He extends his deepest sympathy to the people of the affected communities, especially the victims and their families.

The victims of the attack at the Kasuwan Daji, Market, Sukumbara Village, are both Muslims and Christians drawn from different communities in Borgu local government area of the state

The farmer governor, who notes that it is disturbing and worrying to start the year with such unfortunate incidents, however enjoined the people to remain resolute in God and that his administration is collaborating with the federal government and security agencies to improve the security of the affected areas.

He said a joint security team is trailing the terrorists with the view to rescuing the kidnapped victims.

The farmer governor prays that God will repose the souls of the departed, rescue the kidnapped victims, and grant healing to the injured as well as restore livelihoods that were destroyed.

JUST IN: Notorious criminal named Fidelis Guyama, known for organizing kidnappings and armed robberies across Taraba, Benue, and Plateau States, has been arrested. He was captured by troops from Operation Whirl Stroke (6 Brigade, Nigerian Army) during an intelligence-led operation on December 21, 2025, in Vaase community, Ukum LGA, Benue State. He is believed to be a key leader behind several criminal activities in the region.

Nigerian Army Arrests Notorious Bandit Kingpin Fidelis Gayama in Benue–Taraba Border Operation

The Nigerian Army has captured a high-profile bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, during an intelligence-led operation in Vaase Community, Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State. Gayama, linked to multiple kidnappings and armed robberies along the Benue–Taraba axis, is reportedly associated with another wanted criminal, Aka Dogo. The arrest, carried out by troops of Forward Operating Base Wukari under Operation Whirl Stroke, is considered a major blow to criminal networks in the region. The suspect is now in military custody and will be handed over to authorities for investigation and prosecution. The Army urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

NIGERIAN ARMY SHATTERS TERROR NETWORKS: 8 NEUTRALIZED, 51 ARRESTED, 27 RESCUED, ARSENAL RECOVERED

In a decisive nationwide offensive, the Nigerian Army delivered major blows to criminal networks between 29 November and 1 December 2025, neutralizing eight terrorists, arresting 51 suspects, rescuing 27 victims and seizing a substantial cache of weapons and illicit items across several operations.

In the North East, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, 152 Task Force Battalion and 192 Battalion in Borno State neutralized four ISWAP/JAS terrorists in ambush and clearance operations, recovering three AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines containing 70 rounds of 7.62mm, 31 rounds of 12.7mm, 171 rounds of 7.62x54mm linked, 183 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO, an AK-47 working part and a Baofeng radio. Troops also rescued no victims in these operations but responded effectively to infiltration attempts around Chibok.

In Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi and Kaduna States, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE and Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued 3 victims in Panyam, 1 in Zaki-Biam, 6 adult females and 1 minor (7 total) in Tsanyawa/Kankia, 4 victims in Yagba West, 1 victim in Odo Eri, 2 victims in Sanga LGA and 2 adult females in Isoko North, bringing the total rescued in the North Central and North West theatres to 20 victims. In these operations, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers in Panyam, 4 human traffickers in Sardauna, 3 extremist collaborators in Ukum, 13 illegal miners in Lau, 2 cultists in Delta and 1 gunrunner in Plateau. Combined with 25 drug suspects arrested in Bayelsa and Rivers, troops arrested a total of 51 suspects across the regions.

In Taraba, troops also neutralized 4 violent extremists and recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle, three Dane guns, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles during a communal-clash response in Karim Lamido. Troops in Delta State recovered one locally made pistol, two cartridges and five mobile phones while arresting two suspected cultists. Security forces further recovered 76 rustled cattle in Plateau State and handed them back to their rightful owners.

In the South-South, anti-oil theft operations led to the shutdown of an illegal refining site with about 1,000 litres of stolen crude, while joint raids with NDLEA led to the arrest of 25 drug-related suspects. Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, troops intercepted vehicles transporting 5,000kg of gelatine explosives, 3,000m of cordtex fuse, 10 electric detonators and 1,000m of connecting wire, prompting ongoing investigations involving other security agencies.

Additionally, troops arrested notorious gunrunner Shuaibu Isah (aka Alhaji) who was attempting to receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition from accomplices still being trailed. His arrest marked one of the most significant breakthroughs of the period.

The Nigerian Army reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians and ensuring that terrorists, criminals and their collaborators have no safe haven.

Benue Insecurity: Zaki Biam Residents Pay Kidnappers N100,000 for Protection.

Residents of Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA, Benue State, are gripped by fear as criminal activities escalate, including kidnapping threats, motorcycle theft, and suspected cult operations.

A community source told Vanguard correspondent over the weekend that residents have been receiving calls from unknown individuals demanding money and threatening abduction. 

“People are scared because these callers sound serious and very coordinated. We need urgent help before things get out of hand,” he said.

He added that insecurity has worsened due to the activities of an alleged cult group that reportedly meets at the shop of its suspected leader, located at the former SSS office along Yam Market bypass. 

“These boys meet both during the day and very late at night. Their activities are suspicious, and everyone in the area is worried about what they are planning.”

Motorcycle theft has also surged. Thieves reportedly target riders at night, creating heightened tension in a community where motorcycles are essential for transport and livelihood. “Because all the motorcycle thefts have happened at night, people no longer move around freely once it gets dark,” he said.

The fear is intensified by kidnapping threats. “One case involved a POS operator who allegedly paid ₦100,000 after being threatened by criminals who warned they would kidnap him if he refused. Imagine receiving a call telling you to send money or you will be taken away. That is the kind of fear people here are living with every day,” he added.

Residents are calling for urgent intervention from security agencies. “We are appealing to the government and security operatives to come to our rescue. Lives and property are no longer safe, and something must be done urgently,” he lamented.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at press time.

Repentant bandit shot dead in Benue market.

Panic erupted in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday after unidentified gunmen shot dead a repentant bandit, Kyoga Joka, at the town’s main market.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the bustling market and opened fire on Joka, who was serving with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum.

He was killed instantly, prompting traders and shoppers to scatter in fear.

11 security operatives confirmed dead, ASP still missing in Benue militia clash.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of seven additional bodies of security personnel killed during a violent confrontation with suspected herdsmen and local militia at Agu Centre in Katsina Ala Local Government Area.

The latest recovery brings the total death toll to 11 security operatives, comprising nine police officers, one hunter, and one Civil Protection Guard. Their remains have been deposited at Katsina Ala General Hospital.

Police also confirmed that ASP John Aledu, attached to Operation Zenda, remains missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

“The recovered bodies have been preserved as efforts are ongoing to contact their families,” sources told Zagazola Makama.

In response to the attack, police tactical teams, supported by local hunters and vigilantes, have intensified operations to rescue the missing officer and pursue the attackers.

So far, 15 additional suspects have been arrested in Ukum Local Government Area, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 21, following six earlier arrests in Katsina Ala.

The police assured that, in collaboration with other security agencies, they remain fully committed to bringing all perpetrators of the attack to justice

Court Jails Eight Internet Fraudsters in Benin City.

All the defendants pleaded “guilty,” prompting prosecution counsel to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Eight internet fraudsters have been sent to prison by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

The convicts are: Friday Osamudiamenwen, Monday Moses, Wisdom Idahosa, Osazuwa Oghomwen, Christopher Victor, Odion Desmond Osas, Monday Louis Adagboyin and Bright Ogbiede.

They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charges, bordering on advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents.

The charge against Osas reads: "That you Odion Desmond Osas (m) on or about the 15th of August, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone 14 with IMEI Number 351246958475661, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

All the defendants pleaded “guilty,” prompting prosecution counsel, K.W Chukuma-Eneh, I.M Elodi, I.K Agwai, M.S Dahiru and Ibrahim Al-Amin to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

Angry Youths Protest, Demand End To Killings In Benue.

Angry youths on Sunday stormed the Wurukum food basket roundabout to protest the alleged killing of scores of residents by suspected herdsmen in Yelwata, in Benue State.