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.

Southern Taraba is getting deserved security attention. I believe the troops of 6 Brigade led by Brig Gen KC Uwa will do the needful as usual.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Taraba While Negotiating N20m Ransom

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke and Operation Zafin Wuta have arrested a suspected kidnapper, Umar Musa Geyi, in Wukari, Taraba State. The suspect was apprehended while allegedly negotiating a ₦20 million ransom for the release of an abducted Fulani resident, Alhaji Jano, who was kidnapped on November 13.
Army spokesperson Lt. Umar Mohammed confirmed that Geyi had long been on the wanted list and is linked to a kidnapping syndicate active in the Wukari axis. He was intercepted during a phone negotiation and is currently undergoing interrogation as rescue efforts continue. The 6 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their professionalism and reaffirmed their resolve to dismantle criminal networks.

Taraba Activist Alleges Arrest Plot by Minister Maigari Over N16.5bn Namnai Bridge Scandal

Taraba civic activist Abdulmumin Imam has raised alarm over an alleged secret order for his arrest by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, after he exposed the alleged diversion of N16.5 billion approved for the emergency reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge. The bridge, which fell in August 2024, remains unrepaired 15 months later despite federal approval and contract awards. Imam detailed multiple deaths and ongoing hardships faced by residents cut off by the collapse. He accused the minister of lobbying to divert the funds to a non-emergency road project while leaving the bridge untouched. Family sources said no formal summons was issued before the alleged arrest plot. Efforts to reach the minister were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

6 BRIGADE SUSTAINS MAJOR OFFENSIVE IN TARABA: BANDITS’ CAMPS DESTROYED, TWO NEUTRALISED, WEAPONS RECOVERED AND KEY SUSPECT ARRESTED

Troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified their ongoing offensive across Taraba State, recording multiple operational successes that include the destruction of bandits’ camps, neutralisation of armed elements, recovery of weapons, and the arrest of a key suspect linked to criminal activities in the region.

On 2 December 2025, troops launched a deliberate clearance operation under Operation Zafin Wuta across Shiid, Agia and Tyozua villages in Takum LGA following credible intelligence on the activities of armed groups within the Tor-Tser general area. As the soldiers advanced towards the mountainous hideouts, the bandits fled deeper into the rugged terrain, abandoning their camps. The troops conducted a detailed search before destroying the camps, which the criminals had previously claimed were inaccessible to security forces. In Tyozua, the fleeing bandits set ablaze a wooden bridge in an attempt to obstruct troop movement, but the soldiers pressed forward with determination and forced the criminals across the power line into neighbouring Benue State. During exploitation, one suspect, identified as Dahiru Maigari, was arrested and is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

In a related development, troops conducted a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido and its environs on 4 Dec 25 to deny bandits freedom of movement. While moving towards Usmanu, the patrol came under fire from armed bandits concealed behind Wudompi Community. The soldiers responded swiftly, repelling the attack and neutralising two of the armed men. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition, with no casualties recorded on the part of own troops. The attackers are assessed to be members of the Karimjo faction responsible for recent attempts at regrouping within the area. Security within Karim Lamido remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened alertness.

Reacting to the sustained operational successes, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the professionalism and gallantry displayed by the troops. He stated that the series of operations once again demonstrates that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army and no criminal enclave is beyond reach. He assured residents across Taraba State that the Brigade remains unwavering in its resolve to pursue criminals wherever they may flee and to sustain pressure until all threats to peace.

UMAR MUHAMMAD
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army
4 December 2025

Soldiers Assault Policeman, Seize Rifle During Clash at Jos Mall

A confrontation between soldiers and police officers caused panic at a busy mall in Jos after a disagreement over the attempted arrest of a roadside phone repairer escalated into a physical fight. Witnesses said a soldier accused the trader of damaging his phone and tried to arrest him, but a police officer insisted the matter be taken to a station. The soldier later returned with colleagues, assaulted the officer, and reportedly fled with his rifle. The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that order had been restored and that personnel from both agencies involved in the altercation have been sanctioned. The incident follows recent tensions between security agencies across Nigeria, including a separate case in Taraba where the police denied allegations of an officer collaborating with militia members.


#Jossoldierspoliceclash

#PlateauStatemallincident

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.

Taraba Set for State Police Takeoff as Governor Agbu Kefas Oversees Passing Out Ceremony of New Recruits

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper In Taraba
The army says the arrest is a clear indication that its operation is achieving its intended objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.

ASUU blames FG’s neglect for deepening education crisis.

The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, has accused the Federal Government of neglecting the education sector, warning that such indifference is at the root of Nigeria’s prolonged academic and development crisis.

Speaking during The Toyin Falola Interviews on Sunday, in a virtual session titled “A Conversation with the ASUU President,” Piwuna said federal officials do not view the challenges facing the education system as national problems requiring collective responsibility. Instead, he said, ministers and government executives often dismiss education-related matters as “the Education Minister’s problem.”

“Members of the government, the ministers, and chief executives do not see the problem of education as a problem that affects them.
When ASUU declares a strike, the Minister of Finance sees it as the Minister of Education’s problem; the Minister of Science and Technology sees it the same way,” Piwuna said.

“But if the Minister of Finance understood that the country’s economic growth depends on a knowledgeable workforce, he would take the Minister of Education’s problem as his own.”

Piwuna argued that the Federal Government’s inconsistent policy direction, corruption, and capitalist ideology continue to weaken public education. He lamented that while ASUU views education as a public good, many government officials treat it as a profit-driven enterprise.

“We in ASUU see education as a public good, but those in government treat it as a capitalist venture. Many of them now suggest that TETFund should begin funding private universities… Self-interest and contract inflation have replaced public service. That is why TETFund has become a marketplace,” he added.

The ASUU leader further revealed that discussions between the union and the government are ongoing at the National Executive Council meeting in Taraba State, but warned that the salary offers currently on the table remain “unacceptable.”

“The terms of the agreement are shaping up, and in the next week or two, we’ll make a definite statement. But what the government is offering us as salaries is unacceptable, and we are ready to go to any length to fight it,” he said.

UK warns against travel to six Nigerian states over rising insecurity.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.

In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and sighted by our correspondent on Sunday, the FCDO stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”

The advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”

The statement warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”

In addition, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCDO said, “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.”

It added that “British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”

Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Suspect in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued a kidnap victim, Ali Adamu, in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation followed a distress call reporting Adamu’s abduction while he was sleeping outside his residence. Soldiers immediately mobilized and pursued the suspects, forcing them to abandon the victim and flee into nearby bushes. Adamu was reunited with his family without ransom, according to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, spokesman for the 6 Brigade.

In a separate incident, local vigilantes and hunters apprehended a suspected kidnapper, 30-year-old Lalau Adamu, near Maraban Kunini. Troops intervened after the suspect suffered injuries from mob action and evacuated him for medical treatment.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa commended the collaboration between security forces and community members and urged residents to continue sharing credible information to support ongoing security operations in the state under Operation Lafiya Nakowa.

Senate confirms 6 persons as commissioners for RMAFC.

The Senate, on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of the nominations of six persons as commissioners for the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

This followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs during plenary.

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi who presented the report said that the committee was confident that the nominees possessed the requisite knowledge.

“We are convinced of their suitability,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those confirmed are Bello Wamakko, Sokoto; Hadizatu Mustapha, Borno; Sen. Marafa Abba, Taraba; Ahmed Hassan, Adamawa; Bob Inafa, Bayelsa and Gboyega Oladele, Osun.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau who presided over the plenary said that the appointment of the nominees was a call to serve the nation.