Locals Charge Army Garrison of Complicity with Terrorists
‘All 15 of our council wards are under Fulani militia occupation. The army should go after the terrorists, not sister security agencies or our unarmed youths.’ —Gwer West County Chairman, Hon. Victor Ormin
By Ekani Olikita
Makurdi, Nigeria — Disturbing reports have emerged from Gwer West Local Government Area (county) of Benue State, where personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke (the Joint Military Task Force) allegedly opened fire on the Commander of the Benue State Police Joint Task Force, Operation Zenda, CSP Lyam Akegh, during a rescue mission to save residents under attack by armed Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM).
Gwer-West County, headquartered in Naka, lies 34 miles southwest of Makurdi—the capital of Benue State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. The region is overwhelmingly Christian (98%, predominantly Catholic) and has endured sustained attacks attributed to Fulani militants over the past 13 years.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack on the police commander occurred near Tse-Orbiam village, about three kilometres Southwest Makurdi, the Benue State capital, along the Naka–Makurdi Road, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
The Operation Zenda team had embarked on an independent patrol following renewed killings and abductions by Fulani terrorists in the area because the military have so far failed to stop the killings.
Background of Unrest
Communities along the Naka–Makurdi axis have suffered persistent attacks by armed Fulani militia since 2013, resulting in mass killings, destruction of property, and frequent kidnappings. Locals allege that soldiers stationed in Gwer West—particularly at Tse-Orbiam—often fail to respond to distress calls.
Community leaders also claim that soldiers have on several occasions obstructed local vigilante efforts to defend themselves, deepening frustration and mistrust. Against this backdrop, the Operation Zenda tactical team reportedly decided to conduct a rescue mission independently—only to come under military fire.
Historical Pattern of Violence
The latest attack mirrors a string of deadly incidents that have plagued Gwer West in recent years. In January 2023, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Naka Division, CSP Mamud Abubakar, was ambushed and killed by armed Fulani terrorists barely 500 meters from a military checkpoint. Despite distress alerts, witnesses said soldiers nearby failed to intervene.
In another incident along the same road, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, a Catholic priest of St. John Parish, Jimba, was shot and injured by suspected Fulani terrorists near Tyolaha Village but narrowly survived the attack—underscoring the deadly insecurity along the corridor.
Farmer Killed After Clash– Eyewitness
Sunday Terna, an eyewitness and an indigene of Tse-Orbiam told TruthNigeria that, “shortly after the reported assault on CSP Akegh’s convoy, about 15 well-armed Fulani terrorists returned to the same location, speaking Fufulde and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’, attacked a group of famers, killing one whose body was later recovered and deposited at the General Hospital, Naka.
Military Opens Fire on Teenager
Terna added that, a group of soldiers chasing a youth opened fire and a stray bullet struck a teenage boy, severely injuring his leg. The victim is currently receiving treatment in Naka, Terna added
Public Outrage and Growing Distrust
The repeated attacks—coupled with alleged hostility between the army and police—have triggered public outrage. Community leaders accuse the military of complicity and dereliction of duty, claiming their inaction has emboldened terrorist elements operating in Gwer West.
“It Was to Stop the Rescue of Fulani Terror Victims” — Analyst
Dr. Damian Attah, a Security Analyst and native of Naka, condemned the military assault on CSP Akegh, describing it as an attempt to stop the police from rescuing victims of Fulani terrorism.
“Yes, the soldiers stationed at Tse-Orbiam village fired on the police commander’s convoy as it responded to a distress call from villagers under siege.
“This is the problem in Benue, especially Gwer West. The soldiers don’t go after armed Fulani terrorists but are always targeting sister agencies or local youths defending our land. The military has been compromised,” Attah said.
Gwer-West County Chairman Reacts
Reacting to the development, Gwer West County Chairman, Hon. Victor Ormin, expressed shock and called for a full military investigation.
“We’ve been on the issue since Wednesday. All 15 of our council wards are under Fulani militia occupation. The army should go after the terrorists, not sister security agencies or our unarmed youths,” he said.
Experts Warn of Security Breakdown
Security observers, including retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Dickson Oche, warned that the growing rivalry and breakdown of coordination between the army and police could severely undermine counterterrorism efforts in Benue State and the wider Middle Belt region.
Civil society groups have also demanded a transparent investigation into the shooting involving CSP Akegh and his team, urging federal authorities to clarify the military’s role in the worsening security situation.
As of press time, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Benue State Police Command has issued an official statement on the confrontation. Meanwhile, tension remains high along the Naka–Makurdi Road as frightened residents continue to flee their homes amid reports of renewed movements by armed Fulani groups.
Ekani Olikita is a Conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
