Terrorism: DSS Files Multiple Charges Against Nine Suspects Over Benue, Plateau Killings
By John Onu
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed separate terrorism and firearms charges against nine suspects accused of complicity in recent violent attacks that claimed more than 40 lives in Benue and Plateau states.
According to documents lodged before the Federal High Court, Abuja, the suspects were linked to coordinated assaults in Abinsi and Yelwata communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on June 13, 2025, as well as other attacks in Plateau. The attacks left dozens injured and displaced hundreds of residents.
The charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025 and endorsed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, listed the defendants as Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina. They were accused of committing offences contrary to Sections 12 and 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
In a related charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025), two suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue, were alleged to have carried out reprisal attacks that destroyed property and resulted in the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village. The DSS further alleged they attended meetings in Daudu where plans for terrorist acts were hatched and received arms support from one Alhaji Uba.
Similarly, a 32-year-old woman, Halima Haliru Umar, of Faskari LGA, Katsina State, was charged with transporting 302 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition to bandits in July 2025. She was also accused of concealing information about a suspected gunrunner, Alhaji Sani. Her offences, the DSS said, contravened Sections 6 and 13 of the Terrorism Act.
In another case, a 75-year-old man, Nanbol Tali, and one Timnan Manjo were charged with buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million, in addition to possessing illegal firearms in Plateau State. They were also accused of purchasing revolvers to supply to bandits, in violation of the Firearms Act, 2024.
Separately, Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA was charged with unlawful possession of two locally made pistols, while Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, was accused of stockpiling 18 grenades and 683 rounds of live ammunition. His six-count charge falls under Sections 3, 8 and 27 of the Firearms Act.
The DSS confirmed that no date has yet been fixed for the arraignment of all the defendants.
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