Not less than five youths were killed and several others injured by gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits during an attack at a local mining site in Gero village, Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Tuesday, June 16.

The attack, which took place at about 3 p.m., came barely hours after gunmen invaded the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, which is located about five kilometres away, where three security operatives were killed.

A resident of the Gero community, Festus Dalyop, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said the victims were engaged in mining activities when the assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on them, killing five instantly while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Also confirming the incident, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, condemned the NIPSS attack and the killing of the miners, which he described as evidence of growing security threats in and around the area.

“These attacks reflect worsening insecurity in surrounding communities and raise concerns about the safety of residents as well as strategic national institutions in the area,” Tengwong said in an interaction with journalists.

While expressing concerns over the safety of participants at the institute and residents of the larger community, Tengwong called for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among affected communities.

“We once again urge government authorities to strengthen security surveillance and ensure the protection of lives and property,” he said.

The state Police spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, who also confirmed the incident, said investigations have begun while a manhunt has been launched for the perpetrators of the act.

The Katsina State Government on Wednesday confirmed that, following ongoing operations aimed at tracking and apprehending notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal gang, troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four kidnapped victims.

Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina State, said in a statement that the rescued victims were Musa Yakuba, 62 years; Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi, 68 years; Mukhtar Danja, 36 years; and Salisu Danja, 50 years. He said the victims were rescued during sustained military operations in areas where the criminals are believed to be operating.

According to the statement, the rescued victims were immediately subjected to medical examinations following the gunshot injuries they received while in captivity.

The state government commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies that participated in the rescue operations.

The statement assured residents of the state of the safety of their lives, saying that security forces would continue to trail the notorious bandit, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and other criminal elements.

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps have arrested three suspects specialized in the vandalism of government properties in the state.

The suspects were allegedly arrested by the security in their hideout inside the Primary School in Ovia North East Local Government Area.

The Deputy Commandant of the state’s security outfit in charge of operations, Richard Balogun, disclosed this to newsmen in Benin City.

Balogun gave the names of the suspects as Daniel Idong (29) from Cross River State, while Destiny Idahosa, 18  and Bright Efosa, 25, are from Edo State.

He said the suspects were apprehended at about 7:06 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, during an operation carried out by operatives of the Oluku command of the Corps

He said they were arrested for alleged vandalism and armed robbery.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in vandalising government property and illegally occupying the premises of Oluku Primary School.

“The use of a public school as a criminal hideout is disturbing and a threat to public safety. The security agencies would continue to clamp down on criminal elements in the state”, he said.

Balogun, who condemned the development, noted that he had recently visited schools in the area to sensitise residents and students against vandalism of government property.

He also added that the suspects are being investigated for criminal trespass and acts capable of causing a breach of public peace within the community.

He said the suspects have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Ekiadolor Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.

One of the suspects, Destiny Idahosa, confessed to stealing a mobile phone belonging to a commercial bus driver.