The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned nine individuals at the federal high court in Abuja over alleged roles in the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states.
The security agency also filed separate charges against a suspected gunrunner accused of possessing seven M16 rifles.
Among those arraigned were Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA in Nasarawa state.
The two face a four-count charge linked to the killings in Abinsi and Yelewata village, Guma LGA of Benue, which they allegedly carried out with others still at large on June 13, 2025.
Two other suspects — Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede from Guma LGA of Benue — were docked on a three-count charge for allegedly staging reprisal attacks against the initial terror suspects and destroying private property, including the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
In another case, Halima Haliru Umar, a 32-year-old woman from Faskari LGA, Katsina, was arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly concealing information about Alhaji Sani, said to be a notorious gunrunner, bandit, and kidnapper.
The DSS also charged Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue, on six counts for unlawful possession of 18 firearms — including grenades — without a licence, in violation of section 27 of the Firearms Act.
Additionally, Nanbol Tali, 75, and Timnan Manjo, both from Plateau state, were arraigned on a four-count charge of allegedly buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3 million without licence.
Another suspect, Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA, Plateau state, was docked on a five-count charge for unlawful possession of two locally made pistols and other firearms capable of discharging 9mm calibre ammunition.
Communities in Benue and Plateau states have faced repeated armed assaults in recent months, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
On June 24, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced the arrest of 28 suspects connected to the deadly attack in Yelewata, Benue.
Just days earlier, on June 13, gunmen attacked Yelewata and Daudu in Guma LGA of Benue, killing over 200 residents, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu had publicly criticised Egbetokun for the “failure” of the police to apprehend perpetrators swiftly.