Police crack down on cultism in secondary school, recover firearm from student in Taraba

The Taraba State police command has arrested an 18 year old student suspected to be involved in cult-related activities and recovered an illegal firearm in Jalingo, the state capital.
The arrest, according to the police, followed a report received by the GRA Division of the command on July 14, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m., from the management of Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau Institute for Koranic Memorization, Jalingo.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the report was linked to a misunderstanding between two students of the institution.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that during an altercation involving the school’s Senior Prefect, Usman A. Usman, an 18-year-old student from Sansani, Gassol local government area, was allegedly found in possession of a mini revolver pistol without ammunition.

The command said the suspect allegedly had the firearm with the intention of using it to intimidate another student involved in the dispute.

Police operatives from the GRA Division immediately arrested Usman, while the firearm was recovered and taken into custody.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly disclosed that he obtained the revolver from another student of the institution, identified as Akilu Alhassan, who is currently at large.

The police said a manhunt has been launched for Alhassan and other suspected cult members believed to be connected with the incident.

The Commissioner of Police in Taraba state, Morkwap Sebastian Dongshal, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firearm possession and possible involvement of other individuals.

Dongshal reiterated the command’s commitment to combating cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and other forms of violent crime in the state.

He urged parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders to remain vigilant and collaborate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities capable of threatening public safety.

The police command assured residents of its continued efforts to ensure the protection of lives, property and maintain peace and security across Taraba State.