DSS Files Terrorism Charges Against Nine Over Benue, Plateau Killings

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism-related charges against nine individuals allegedly connected to the recent deadly attacks in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and parts of Plateau State. The attacks claimed over 40 lives, left dozens injured, and displaced hundreds.

The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, following President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue, where he urged citizens to embrace peace and directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

In case number FHC/ABJ/CR/453/2025, the DSS alleged that Haruna Adamu, Muhammad Abdullahi (both from Nasarawa State), and others still at large coordinated attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata villages on June 13, 2025. According to the DSS, the offences fall under Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

Adamu and Abdullahi are also accused of conspiring with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina, among others.

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Muhammad Abubakar, accused the suspects of engaging in conduct preparatory to acts of terrorism.

In a separate suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025, two other suspects—Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA in Benue—were arraigned on a three-count charge for allegedly launching reprisal attacks in response to the initial massacres. They are accused of attending a meeting that led to terrorist acts, including property destruction and the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.

Count two alleges they conspired with others in July 2025 in Daudu town to commit terrorism, violating Section 26 of the Act. Count three charges them with receiving locally made firearms and AK-47 rifles from one Alhaji Uba, allegedly for use in terrorist activities.

In another case, Halima Haliru Umar, a 32-year-old woman from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, was charged with four counts of terrorism. She is accused of transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition to bandits in July 2025, and of concealing information about Alhaji Sani, a suspected arms dealer and kidnapper. The DSS noted that her silence could have prevented acts of terrorism—an offence under Section 6 of the Act.

Separately, Nanbol Tali (75) and Timnan Manjo were arraigned for the unlawful sale and possession of firearms. The DSS alleged they bought and sold two locally made AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million and were in possession of more unlicensed firearms in Manju LGA, Plateau State, violating both the Terrorism Act and Firearms Act, 2024.

Another suspect, Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA, Plateau State, faces a five-count charge for the illegal possession of two locally fabricated pistols capable of firing 9mm rounds.

Additionally, the DSS filed six counts against Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue State. He is accused of illegally possessing 18 firearms, including grenades, and 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, all in violation of the Firearms Act.

No trial dates have been scheduled yet.