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FG Files Terrorism, Firearms Charges Against 15 Suspects Over Benue, Plateau Attacks

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The Federal Government has filed multiple terrorism and firearms charges against 15 suspects alleged to be complicit in recent violent attacks in Benue and Plateau States that left more than 40 people dead, dozens injured, and hundreds displaced.

The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) before the Federal High Court in Abuja, stem from coordinated attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata villages, Guma LGA of Benue State, on June 13, 2025, as well as other incidents in Plateau.

According to the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025, the DSS alleged that Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA of Nasarawa State, carried out the deadly raids in connivance with others still at large. They were charged alongside Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina under sections 12 and 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

In a separate three-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025), two suspects – Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both of Guma LGA – were accused of participating in reprisal attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata. The DSS said the pair attended a meeting in Daudu town, Guma LGA, in July 2025, where they conspired with others to carry out acts of terrorism, including the destruction of property and loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.

Also facing trial is 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar of Faskari LGA, Katsina State, who was charged with four counts of terrorism. She was accused of transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition to bandits and concealing information on a suspected gunrunner, in violation of sections 6 and 13 of the Terrorism Act.

Similarly, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo were charged with four counts involving the purchase and resale of locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and revolvers to bandits in Plateau State. They were also accused of illegal possession of firearms, contrary to sections 9 and 27 of the Firearms Act, 2024.

In Jos North, Plateau State, Danjuma Antu was slammed with a five-count charge over unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols, while Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, faces six counts for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, and 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

The DSS said Oloche’s arrest on August 2, 2025, underscores the growing threat of illegal arms circulation in conflict-prone communities.

All charges were endorsed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, but no date has yet been fixed for the arraignment of the defendants.

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2027: We dumped Peter Obi for Tinubu – Charismatic Bishops

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The Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, under the leadership of Leonard Kawas, has explained why its group of clerics switched support from the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Kawas, in an interview with Channels Television, said he supported Obi against Tinubu in 2023.

According to the cleric, he and his group believe President Tinubu is on the right track, which is why they decided to back his re-election bid.

“Well, in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was contesting against Peter Obi, but I chose Peter Obi. If it was for convenience, I would have chosen Tinubu, but I did not in 2023. It is my fundamental human right. Based on the issues on the ground and the leading of the Spirit, I and my group are supporting President Tinubu for 2027 because we believe he is on the right course. He will definitely take Nigeria to very high heights in all ramifications,” he said.

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DAILY POST reports that the Charismatic Bishops became a subject of political discussion following their endorsement of President Tinubu.

This comes as Tinubu, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and other presidential candidates are set to battle in the January 16, 2027, presidential election.

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Army warns of possible attacks on churches, schools

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The Nigerian Army has warned that terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), may be planning coordinated attacks on churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable public places across Nigeria.

The warning was contained in a communication dated September 9, 2026, signed by AM Sodiq and addressed to the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan. SaharaReporters obtained the document.

According to the Army, intelligence indicates “increasing mobilisation of resources and foot-soldiers” by terrorist groups for possible attacks in parts of the North-East, North-West, North-Central and some areas of the South-West.

It warned that the attacks could happen “any moment from now” and identified Catholic and Protestant churches, primary and secondary schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations as possible targets.

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The Army also said it had received information about the movement of scores of armed fighters from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

The military further disclosed that suspected ISWAP members had started monitoring some of the identified targets, allegedly with the help of local collaborators.

“Further intelligence revealed that suspected members of Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP) have commenced surveillance and reconnaissance activities against identified targets with support from their local collaborators,” the document stated.

The Army expressed particular concern about schools ahead of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.

It said the terrorists could be planning to exploit the return of large numbers of students and teachers to cause mass casualties and create fear.

“Of particular concern is the targeting of educational institutions, with the anticipated period of the attack assessed to coincide with the resumption of schools for the 2026/2027 academic session,” the document stated.

It added that the timing was “intended to exploit concentration of students and staff to cause mass casualties and heighten public fear and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The Army said the intelligence suggested that the groups may have moved beyond planning and could already be preparing for the attacks.

“This development suggests possible progression from intent to preparatory activity and therefore warrants heightened vigilance around identified locations and similarly exposed facilities,” it said.

The military consequently called for increased surveillance and stronger security measures around the identified targets and other public places considered vulnerable.

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