EXCLUSIVE: Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas Faces Backlash as Contractor Allegedly Collects N16 Billion, Abandons 60 Legacy Schools Project Across State

SaharaReporters’ investigation reveals that Prezzo Shield Investment Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling Taraba State Government’s flagship 60 Model Schools project, allegedly received N16 billion before stalling work across multiple locations. Sources indicate that construction at several schools has either slowed or stopped entirely, with some sites abandoned for over five months.
The stalled project has left hundreds of local artisans and engineers unpaid, while critical infrastructure—such as roofing, windows, and toilets—remains incomplete. At pilot schools in Jalingo and Ardo Kola, buildings have been roofed but are still not ready for use. Workers also reported that government-purchased brick-making machines were removed from sites, adding to confusion and delays.
Launched as part of Governor Agbu Kefas’ free education agenda, the project was intended as a legacy initiative to expand access to quality education in Taraba. Communities and workers are calling for urgent government intervention to ensure accountability and the completion of the schools. Attempts to obtain official comments from the Taraba State Government were unsuccessful.

#TarabaState #AgbuKefas #LegacySchoolsProject #EducationCrisis #ContractorAbandonment #NigeriaNews #CorruptionAlert #InfrastructureFailure

INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN RAID: TROOPS OF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE STRIKE DECISIVE BLOW AGAINST CRIMINAL SYNDICATES RECOVERS ARMS CACHE IN TARABA

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have recorded a major operational success following a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum LGA, Taraba State.

The operation, conducted on 04 January 2026, was initiated after actionable intelligence was received regarding the movement of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, OPWS troops deployed at Zaki-Biam immediately established a snap roadblock along the suspected route. The suspect was successfully intercepted at Zaki-Biam without incident. Upon preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily led the troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu Village in Takum Local Government Area.

Subsequent exploitation of the location resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, comprising thirteen AK-47 rifles, thirty-nine AK-47 magazines, six hundred and ninety rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and quantity four hand grenades. Following the successful recovery, the armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent further use and the troops safely withdrew to base.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response and effective utilisation of intelligence, which culminated in the disruption of a criminal supply chain and the recovery of lethal weapons.

Major General Gara reiterated his commitment to sustaining high troop morale by prioritising welfare, logistics support and operational readiness. He further appreciated members of the public for their continuous cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, noting that community support remains a critical enabler in the ongoing fight against criminality within the Joint Operations Area.

He urged residents to continue to provide timely and actionable information to security forces, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response, as Operation WHIRL STROKE remains resolute in ensuring peace, stability and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility. The Force Commander also expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for his strategic guidance and the Service Chiefs for their sustained support to OPWS.

AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU
Lieutenant
Acting Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE
04 January 2026

Nigerian Army Busts Taraba Kingpin John Gata’s Secret Armoury, Intercepts Wife in Operation Whirl Stroke, Recovers AK-47 Rifles, Grenades and Hundreds of Ammunition

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have uncovered a major arms cache belonging to notorious Taraba-based criminal kingpin, John Gata, following the interception of his wife during a targeted intelligence-led operation. The arrest took place along the Amadu Village–Wukari–Kyado–Zaki-Biam route, with troops mounting a snap roadblock at Zaki-Biam, where the suspect was apprehended without resistance.

According to military sources, the intercepted woman later led troops to her husband’s secret armoury hidden in Amadu village, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades, confirming the scale of the criminal network’s firepower.

Army authorities disclosed that the armoury was immediately destroyed on-site to prevent further use by criminal elements or armed groups operating in the region. All troops involved in the operation reportedly returned safely to base, while the overall security situation in the area remains calm.

The Nigerian Army also noted that civil-military relations in the area remain cordial, with troop morale and operational readiness described as high. Confidence-building patrols and sustained security operations are ongoing to ensure lasting peace and prevent the resurgence of criminal activities in Taraba and surrounding areas.

Taraba Teachers Threaten Governor Agbu Kefas Over Four Months’ Salary Arrears Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Taraba State has warned Governor Agbu Kefas to pay four months’ outstanding salary arrears or risk losing the political support of over 20,000 teachers ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

State NUT chairman Nathan Solomon Tsa’asen stressed teachers’ electoral influence, saying their votes would no longer be taken for granted. While part of the salary backlog stems from previous administrations, he insisted it remains the current government’s responsibility to clear it.

The warning comes amid ongoing challenges in the state’s education sector, where the free education policy has left classrooms overcrowded, dilapidated, and lacking basic learning materials, demoralising both teachers and students.

Taraba Schools Overcrowded, Classrooms Collapsing, Students Sit on Bare Floors as Governor Kefas’ Free Education Policy Falters

Two years after Governor Agbu Kefas introduced a free and compulsory education policy in Taraba State, many public schools are struggling with severe infrastructural decay, overcrowding, and lack of basic learning facilities. While the policy initially boosted school enrollment and was celebrated as a major social intervention, the necessary support systems—classrooms, furniture, teachers, learning materials, and adequate funding—failed to keep pace.

Across the state, classrooms designed for about 30 pupils now accommodate more than 70, forcing many students to sit on bare floors. Laboratories are largely non-functional due to lack of equipment, teachers are overstretched, discipline is deteriorating, and school safety has become a growing concern, highlighted by the killing of a teacher, Mr. Bassey Sardauna. Parents and educators describe the situation as “organised suffering,” arguing that children attend school but gain little meaningful learning.

The government’s promise to build 60 model schools has largely stalled, with many projects abandoned at early construction stages. Compounding the crisis, schools have lost internally generated revenue from fees under the free education policy and now depend on government subventions widely described as inadequate. As a result, head teachers ration basic items like chalk, cancel science practicals, and lower academic expectations just to keep schools operating.

Despite the policy’s lofty rhetoric, the reality in Taraba classrooms paints a grim picture of neglect and poor planning, raising serious questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of the state’s free education programme.

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.

NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Warehouses, Seizes Narcotics, and Arrests Businessman Over Lagos Port ‘Loud’ Shipment

Between December 21 and 25, 2025, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted nationwide anti-narcotics operations across Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Abuja, Lagos, Taraba, and Gombe states. Agents destroyed cannabis warehouses, seized large quantities of drugs, and arrested several traffickers. In Ara-Ekiti, 638kg of skunk cannabis was burned. In Edo, 883.1kg of compressed cannabis was intercepted. Cross River and Abuja operations led to multiple arrests, while in Lagos, Ajoke Dauda and Oluwasegun Felix were apprehended with 45.5kg and 18.5kg of skunk, respectively. Taraba and Gombe also recorded arrests and drug seizures. Notably, businessman Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown) was arrested in connection with 26kg of high-grade cannabis (“Loud”) seized at Tincan Port on December 10. NDLEA emphasized its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks nationwide.

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.

Report Identifies 82 Nigerians Killed, 147 Abducted in Religious and Terror Attacks Between November–December 2025

A report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has documented 82 deaths and 147 abductions in Nigeria from November 23 to December 17, 2025, amid rising jihadist and religious violence. Victims include Christians, pregnant women, children, clerics, and students, with attacks concentrated in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kaduna, Edo, and Imo states. Over 3,900 parishioners were displaced, 936 homes destroyed, and 26 parishes attacked. The report alleges involvement of jihadist militants, allied armed groups, and some security personnel. Intersociety calls for prosecution of military commanders, wider investigation into infiltration of jihadists in security forces, redeployment of troops to affected areas, and systemic reforms in federal security and governance.

Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in Taraba State have recovered weapons and the corpse of a slain soldier during ongoing search-and-rescue (SAR) operations following an ambush on their patrol team in Takum Local Government Area.

Zagazola gathered that the operation followed an earlier attack on troops at Tyojande village, Takum LGA, which resulted in casualties, the Army said in an operational update on Tuesday.

According to the sources , troops acting on intelligence provided by locals in Kufai Amadu on Dec. 17 advanced to the general area of Tyojande where the ambush occurred.

During the operation, troops made contact with armed elements near Ange village, about two kilometres from the location where the corpse of a killed soldier was later found.

The sources said the troops’ superior firepower forced the assailants to abandon their positions and flee into thick vegetation, using cattle as cover before escaping towards nearby mountainous terrain. A hot pursuit ensued, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one additional item, and three empty magazines concealed at different locations within the area.

The troops subsequently advanced on foot through Tyojande and Yumga villages, and later projected force to Ande and Nbaume communities, all within Kufai Amadu axis of Takum LGA, where no further contact was made.

The source confirmed the recovery of the corpse of Late Lance Corporal in the Tyojande general area. Search-and-rescue operations, the Army added, are ongoing to locate one soldier still missing.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations to account for all personnel and to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the area.

A soldier has been killed, while two others are missing following an attack on troops escorting farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Monday during a security operation in a bush area of Takum, which has been prone to clashes involving militia elements.

The source said soldiers from a special forces unit along with police, NSCDC were deployed to provide security for Tiv farmers harvesting their farm produce when they were attacked by hoodlums suspected to be local militia in Taraba state.

According to the source, one soldiers was killed during the attack.

The source further disclosed that following the incident, soldiers cordoned off the venue of the Miyetti Allah executives’ election at the FGR Samsokwa Hall, in Takum, and arrested male executives of the association present at the venue. Though it was yet to establish if they were involved in the attack.

Another sources pointed accusing finger at the Taraba state special adviser on security allegedly to be behind the Militia. Though, Zagazola cannot independently verify the claim.

Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a group of suspected armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The suspects were caught with AK-47 rifles during an operation carried out on Friday.

After their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody. In a video that later surfaced online, the men were seen lying face down with their hands tied while security operatives questioned them about where they got the weapons.

One of the suspects alleged that some officials of the Kwara State government gave them both the vehicle and the rifles. He claimed they had been operating in the area under the cover of patrol duties.

According to him, the weapons did not belong to them personally. He said their leader collected the rifles and that they often went on patrol together with some individuals he mentioned by name. He insisted that the guns belonged to those officials.

Troops rescue kidnapped woman in Taraba

Troops of Sub-Sector 3B, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued a kidnapped woman during a search-and-rescue operation in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, deployed at Kufai Amadu in Takum LGA, received information at about 1:13 p.m. on Friday about a kidnapping incident at Torikegha village, Chanchanji Ward.

The source said the troops immediately moved to the village, where they were informed that the victim, Mrs Iloda Ayinba, a resident of Torikegha, had been abducted while on her way to her farm by suspected herdsmen relocating from the area.

According to the source, the troops pursued the suspects along their withdrawal route and conducted an extensive combing of the general area up to the power line corridor between Benue and Taraba states.

“Following the aggressive and robust search-and-rescue operation, the kidnappers abandoned the victim in the bush and fled,” the source said.

The troops subsequently rescued the woman, while no contact was made with the suspects during the exploitation of the area, the source added.

17 Killed as Militias Ambush Returning IDPs in Taraba’s Wukari Area

At least 17 people were killed and eight injured when armed militias ambushed returning IDPs in Tse Ajogo village, Wukari LGA of Taraba State. The attack, which occurred around 6 a.m. on December 10, saw gunmen storm the community in a coordinated operation, shooting residents and burning seven houses. Several villagers remain missing. Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed it was the second attack on the resettling community within two months, warning that militias appear intent on disrupting return efforts. Authorities have begun tracking the attackers, urging increased patrols and vigilance among local communities, particularly Tiv settlements in the area.


#Taraba #Insecurity #IDPs

At least 17 people were killed and eight others injured when armed men, suspected to be Jukun militia, launched a coordinated attack on returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tse Ajogo village, Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, on Wednesday, 10 December 2025.

According to sources, the attackers stormed the village at about 6 a.m., firing indiscriminately at residents and IDPs. Several others remain unaccounted for, while seven houses were set ablaze during the assault.

The sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident marks the second attack on returning IDPs in Tse Ajogo within a two-month period. The village, located approximately four kilometres from Rafin Kada town, has been described as highly vulnerable to armed incursions by the militia.

Sources said that the assailants were heavily armed and coordinated their attack to inflict maximum casualties and disrupt resettlement efforts.

Authorities have called for heightened vigilance in the area and urged troops to sustain patrols along key routes to protect resettling communities.

Security operatives are working to track and neutralise the attackers.

Residents of the Tiv communities in Taraba State have been advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious movements to authorities, while prayers have been offered for peace to return to the affected areas.

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Kano, Osun Top List as 13 Nigerian States Spend N22.6bn on Foreign Trips Amid Economic Hardship

A review of expenditure records from 13 Nigerian states shows that a combined ₦22.669 billion was spent on foreign trips between January and September 2025, despite worsening economic hardship across the country. Kano led the list with ₦7.7 billion, followed by Osun with ₦3 billion and Benue with ₦2.7 billion. Other major spenders include Nasarawa, Jigawa, Taraba, Ekiti, and Adamawa. Enugu recorded the lowest at ₦94 million. The figures, released amid rising inflation and shrinking public services, have sparked fresh concerns over fiscal priorities. Civil society groups are demanding transparency and justification for the costly trips. At the federal level, earlier data revealed that the Tinubu administration spent ₦36.3 billion on international travel in 2024, bringing total local and international travel expenses to ₦83 billion.
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Fulani Militias Kill NYSC Member’s Father, Four Others in Taraba Community Attack

An NYSC member, Orkeghen Philip Aondofa, has raised alarm after armed herders attacked his community, New-Gboko in Takum LGA of Taraba State, killing his father and four relatives. The attackers reportedly took over the village, forcing all residents to flee and preventing him from retrieving his father’s body for burial. Philip, who is serving in Enugu, said one of the assailants called him with his late father’s phone and confessed to the killing. He accused the Taraba State government of staying silent despite ongoing attacks across Chanchanji ward. The grieving corps member appealed to the Federal Government for assistance, saying he is stranded, homeless, and without hope as violence continues to ravage communities in the area.

₦16.5bn Taraba Bridge Funds Allegedly Diverted to Access Road as Minister Faces Scrutiny

A major controversy has erupted in Taraba State after documents revealed that ₦16.5 billion approved by the Federal Executive Council for the emergency reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge was allegedly diverted to a 43.5km access road project without proper FEC approval. Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, is under scrutiny as conflicting award letters and stalled project progress raise questions. The situation has intensified with accusations, legal threats, and reports of attempts to arrest a critic who exposed the alleged diversion.

Minister Maigari Ahmadu Obtains Court Order to Arrest Taraba Activist Despite Public Denial

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, has been accused of secretly securing multiple court orders to arrest Taraba activist Abdulmumuni Imam, despite publicly denying any involvement. Imam, who has criticised the stalled reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge and alleged diversion of ₦16.5 billion, reportedly never received any invitation or summons. Fresh revelations show the Minister’s team first obtained an arrest order from the Upper Area Court, later withdrew it, and then secured another at the Federal High Court, contradicting earlier statements from his media aide. The activist maintains he is being targeted for exposing delays and alleged interference in the emergency bridge project, which has caused multiple deaths and suffering for local communities.

Taraba Police Inspector Arrested After Allegedly Killing 11-Year-Old Nephew, Beaten by Mob

A police inspector in Taraba State, Philemon Ayuba, was arrested after allegedly killing his 11-year-old nephew, Hosanna Yunana, and secretly burying the body. The incident sparked public outrage, leading to a mob attack before officers rescued him. According to a police wireless message, the inspector confessed to beating the child during a confrontation over missing ₦60,000, resulting in the boy’s death. Authorities later recovered the body, now at FMC Jalingo for examination, while the suspect remains in custody pending investigation.

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas led a high-powered Nigerian delegation, including Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Yahaya Abdullahi, to Cameroon for a strategic security assessment aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation against terrorism and cross-border crimes. Received by Brig.-Gen. Relence Francois of the BIR, the team inspected vulnerable border areas and discussed intelligence-sharing in line with President Tinubu’s national security directives. The visit follows recent anti-kidnap operations in Taraba, where security forces arrested key suspects linked to ransom negotiations and criminal networks.