The echoes of recent deadly attacks in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and parts of Plateau State, which tragically claimed over 40 lives, injured many, and displaced hundreds, have spurred a significant step towards justice. In a direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to fish out the perpetrators, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday filed charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against nine suspects allegedly linked to these horrific incidents.
This decisive action by the DSS, outlined in a series of charges dated August 8, 2025, signals a comprehensive approach to tackling the multifaceted security challenges plaguing these regions, addressing not only the initial acts of terror but also reprisal attacks and the illicit trade in firearms.
Targeting the Architects of Terror
At the heart of the charges are individuals believed to be directly responsible for the coordinated attacks. Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, of Awe LGA in Nasarawa State, along with others still at large, are alleged to have carried out the brutal assaults on the people of Abinsi and Yelwata villages on June 13, 2025. The DSS asserts that their actions contravene and are punishable under Section 12 of Nigeria’s robust Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
The charge further details a conspiracy, accusing Adamu and Abdullahi of collaborating with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina, among others, to execute these heinous crimes. The Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Muhammad Abubakar, has accused these two defendants of engaging in conduct preparatory to committing terrorism – an essential step in dismantling terror networks.
Breaking the Cycle: Charges for Reprisal Attacks
Crucially, the DSS’s filing addresses the dangerous cycle of violence. Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma LGA, Benue State, have been arraigned on a three-count charge for allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against terror suspects involved in the Abinsi and Yelwata incidents.
The charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025, details their alleged participation in a meeting that led to acts of terrorism, including the destruction of private property and the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State. This, the DPP stated, contravenes Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. They are also accused of conspiring to commit terrorism (Section 26) and knowingly receiving material assistance, including locally made guns and AK-47 rifles, from one Alhaji Uba, for these acts of destruction (Section 13). This demonstrates a commitment to holding all perpetrators of violence accountable, regardless of their alleged motivations.
Starving the Supply Chain: Battling Arms Trafficking
A significant portion of the charges focuses on the illicit flow of arms, underscoring the understanding that weapons fuel these conflicts.
- Halima Haliru Umar: A 32-year-old woman from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, faces a four-count terrorism charge. She is accused of transporting a staggering 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition to bandits in July 2025, an offence contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act. Furthermore, she is charged with concealing information about one Alhaji Sani, a suspected arms dealer, bandit, and kidnapper, information that could have led to his arrest and prevented acts of terrorism (Section 6 of the Act).
- Nanbol Tali (75) and Timnan Manjo: These two individuals were arraigned on four counts for allegedly buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles without a licence for ₦3 million. This contravenes Section 9 of the Terrorism Act and is punishable under Section 27 of the Firearms Act, 2024. They are also accused of possessing a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle in Manju LGA, Plateau State, and buying three long-range revolvers at ₦60,000 each from one Chomo for resale to bandits.
- Danjuma Antu: Hailing from Jos North LGA, Plateau State, Antu faces a five-count charge for unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm calibre ammunition, contravening Section 3 and punishable under Section 27 of the Firearms Act, 2024.
- Silas Iduh Oloche: Of Agatu LGA, Benue State, Oloche faces a six-count charge for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, without a licence (Section 3 of the Firearms Act, punishable under Section 27). He was also found with 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition on August 2, 2025, contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act.
A Glimmer of Hope for Justice
While no date has been fixed for trial yet, these comprehensive charges, covering a spectrum of offenses from direct attacks to reprisal violence, and the critical supply chain of illegal weapons, send a clear signal. The Nigerian government, through its security agencies, is determined to bring perpetrators to justice and dismantle the networks that enable insecurity.
This development offers a glimmer of hope to the victims and displaced communities in Benue and Plateau states, affirming the government’s commitment to the rule of law and the restoration of peace and security. Nigerians keenly await the judicial process, hopeful that these charges will culminate in convictions that deter future acts of violence and bring much-needed healing to affected regions.
