The arrest of an 18-year-old student in Jalingo, Taraba State, over alleged possession of an illegal firearm has raised fresh concerns over the activities of suspected cult groups among youths in the state.
Key Highlights:
- Police arrested an 18-year-old student in Jalingo with an alleged illegal mini revolver.
- The firearm was reportedly meant to intimidate another student during a dispute.
- The suspect allegedly said another student, now on the run, gave him the gun.
- Police are investigating possible cult links and searching for other suspects.
- The case has been transferred to the SCID for further investigation.
The suspect, identified as Usman A. Usman, a student of Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau Institute for Koranic Memorisation, Jalingo, was arrested by operatives of the Taraba State Police Command following a reported disagreement between two students of the institution.
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 14, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m., after the management of the institute alerted the GRA Division of the command over a misunderstanding involving students.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said preliminary investigations showed that the dispute escalated into an altercation involving the school’s Senior Prefect, during which Usman was allegedly found in possession of a mini revolver pistol without ammunition.
The police said the firearm was allegedly intended to intimidate another student involved in the disagreement.
Following the discovery, police operatives from the GRA Division arrested the suspect and recovered the firearm, which was taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
During interrogation, the police said Usman allegedly revealed that he obtained the revolver from another student of the institution, identified as Akilu Alhassan.
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Alhassan, according to the command, is currently at large, prompting the police to launch a manhunt for him and other individuals suspected to be connected with the alleged cult-related activities.
The development has led the Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, CP Morkwap Sebastian Dongshal, to order the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive probe.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm, determine whether other persons were involved, and uncover any possible criminal network linked to the incident.
The police commissioner assured residents that the command would continue its fight against cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and violent crimes across the state.
He also called on parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information on suspicious activities.
As the investigation continues, the Taraba State Police Command said it remains committed to ensuring the protection of lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the state.
