Taraba

Tension is rising in Taraba State following the prolonged detention of a cleric of the Global Methodist Church, Reverend Beziel, who was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sources within the church said the cleric was taken from his residence in the early hours of February 22, 2026. The arrest reportedly occurred around 2am under conditions described as “shocking and unlawful.”

Concern has continued to grow among church members and residents over the development, especially as no official explanation has been given for the arrest.

According to a report by a Nigerian online newspaper SaharaReporters, a church member, Ruhania Idris, expressed worry over the situation. He stated that efforts to secure the pastor’s release have not been successful.

“Our pastor, Reverend Beziel, was taken from his home in the dead of night by DSS operatives without prior notice or explanation. Since then, he has been held for weeks without any clear charges brought against him,” Idris said.

He also alleged that a payment was made in an attempt to facilitate the cleric’s freedom, but the situation remains unchanged.

“We were made to believe that paying N15 million would secure his freedom, but even after raising and paying the money, he is still in detention. This has left us confused, distressed and feeling completely helpless,” he added.

Idris further revealed that the pastor is no longer in DSS custody. He said the cleric has been moved to a correctional facility in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. He noted that the transfer has raised fresh concerns about due process.

“He is no longer even in DSS custody; he has been moved to the correctional centre in Jalingo, yet no one has told us what offence he committed. We are in the dark,” Idris said.

The situation has become more troubling after claims that a top state government official distanced the administration from the matter.

“The Secretary to the State Government allegedly told us plainly that he does not know anyone who can facilitate the pastor’s release. That statement has deepened our fears that justice may not be served,” Idris stated.

The development has triggered reactions from religious groups and residents. Many are demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities. They are also calling for clarity on the legal basis of the arrest and continued detention.

Family members and church leaders have appealed to civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the public to intervene. They want either the immediate release of Reverend Beziel or his appearance in court without further delay.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intercepted a suspected gun-runner and recovered a large cache of ammunition in Taraba State. The operation took place on 21 February 2026 during a stop-and-search exercise at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area.

According to the Army, the arrest followed actionable and credible intelligence. Vigilant troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja). A thorough search of the car led to the arrest of Mr. Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old man from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Items recovered from the suspect include:

Two AK-47 rifles

One hundred and ninety-seven empty magazines

One box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds

Fourteen packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition totaling 700 rounds

Nineteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition

₦2,440,000 in cash

One wallet with four identification cards and four ATM cards

One Android phone and one Itel keypad phone

One power bank

Eight bottles of perfume

One rechargeable touch light

Assorted local charms


All recovered items and the suspect are now in custody and will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops for their alertness and diligence. He said, “The Brigade must maintain the tempo as it strives to fulfill the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff, which is to rid Taraba State of all forms of criminality and threats to lives and property.”

He added that the Brigade will continue to implement its reward and sanction policy, noting that officers and soldiers involved in the operation “will be duly recognized and rewarded for their professionalism and commitment to duty.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested a suspected gunrunner during an intelligence-led operation in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation took place on February 12, 2026, after security forces received credible intelligence. Troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari acted promptly and apprehended the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Abubakar Ibrahim, who hails from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security personnel carried out a detailed search during the mission. The exercise led to the recovery of six PKT machine guns, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cash sum of ₦170,000. Officers also recovered a Peugeot 504 vehicle, a Q Seven mobile phone, seven bottles and wraps of perfume, as well as two small containers of Vaseline.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

Authorities said the interception prevented illegal weapons from getting into the hands of criminal elements. They added that the development supports ongoing efforts to address insecurity and strengthen public safety in the state.

The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, praised the troops for their vigilance and professionalism. He urged them to maintain the momentum in line with the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff. He also commended residents for providing useful intelligence that aided the operation’s success.

“The Brigade remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, and to restore lasting peace and stability across Taraba State,” he stated.