Police crack down on cultism in secondary school, recover firearm from student in Taraba
Taraba Police Arrest 18-Year-Old Student for Cult-Related Activities
JALINGO, Taraba State — The Taraba State police command has apprehended an 18-year-old student suspected of involvement in cult-related activities and recovered an illegal firearm in Jalingo, the state capital.
According to a police statement, the arrest occurred following a report received on July 14, 2026, at approximately 11 p.m. from the management of the Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau Institute for Koranic Memorization. The report was linked to a dispute between two students at the institution.
Preliminary investigations indicated that during an altercation involving the school’s Senior Prefect, the suspect, identified as Usman A. Usman from the Gassol local government area, was allegedly found in possession of a mini revolver pistol without ammunition. The police believe Usman intended to use the firearm to intimidate a fellow student involved in the incident.
Usman was promptly arrested by officers from the GRA Division, and the revolver was secured. During questioning, the suspect reportedly revealed that he had obtained the firearm from another student, Akilu Alhassan, who is currently at large.
A manhunt has been initiated for Alhassan and other individuals suspected of involvement in the incident.
Taraba State Commissioner of Police Morkwap Sebastian Dongshal has directed the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further examination of the circumstances surrounding the firearm’s possession and potential links to other individuals.
Dongshal reaffirmed the police command’s dedication to addressing cultism, illegal firearm possession, and violent crime throughout the state. He urged parents, guardians, school officials, and community leaders to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities that could jeopardize public safety.
The police command emphasized its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and security across Taraba State.
