By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has charged nine suspects with terrorism and illegal firearms possession in connection to a string of deadly attacks in Benue state, including the brutal Yelwata village massacre, which claimed multiple lives and left several injured.
In a dramatic escalation, the DSS filed six separate cases at the Federal High Court in Abuja, targeting suspects linked to the violence that has rocked Guma Local Government Area (LGA). The charges, unveiled on Thursday, expose a web of alleged terrorist activities, arms trafficking, and reprisal attacks in the region.
Yelwata Massacre and Reprisals
Among the accused, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi from Awe LGA, Nasarawa state, face a four-count charge for their alleged role in the June 13, 2025, attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata communities, alongside accomplices still at large. The DSS claims the duo orchestrated the bloodshed that left a trail of devastation.
In a related case, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede from Guma LGA were slapped with three counts for allegedly launching reprisal attacks tied to the Abinsi and Yelwata incidents. The pair are accused of attending a meeting that plotted terrorist acts, including the destruction of private property in Ukpam village, resulting in the loss of 12 cattle. The DSS further alleges they received locally made guns and an AK-47 rifle from one Alhaji Uba to fuel their campaign of terror.
Arms Trafficking and Concealment
In a separate case, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina state, faces a four-count charge for allegedly shielding a suspected gun runner, Alhaji Sani, and transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition for bandits in July 2025. The DSS claims her actions obstructed efforts to apprehend the suspect.
Meanwhile, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo are accused of buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3 million ($1,800) and three revolver rifles for N60,000 ($36) each, sourced from an individual known as Chomo, for resale to bandits. The duo face four counts of terrorism-related charges.
Firearms and Grenades Seized
In another case, Danjuma Antu from Jos North, Plateau state, is charged with illegally possessing two locally made pistols capable of firing 9mm rounds. Separately, Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue state, faces a six-count charge for unlawfully possessing 18 firearms, including grenades and 683 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, in a major blow to arms trafficking networks.
No trial date has been set for the suspects, but the charges signal a renewed crackdown on violence and arms proliferation in Nigeria’s volatile north-central region. The DSS vows to pursue all leads to bring those responsible for the bloodshed to justice.
