Leaked DSS memo warned of imminent attacks in Benue, Nasarawa before Yelewata massacre
A leaked memo has revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had alerted the commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Moses Gara, in May about potential attacks on several communities in Benue and Nasarawa states.
Operation Whirl Stroke—launched by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in 2018—comprises personnel from the military, police, and DSS. It was established to address persistent security threats in the Middle Belt.
Despite this early warning, gunmen stormed the Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on June 13, killing more than 200 people, including farmers and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The DSS memo, dated May 13, reportedly detailed intelligence indicating that suspected Fulani militias were preparing to strike settlements in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State and other nearby areas. The motive, according to the report, was retaliation for an alleged confiscation of cattle by the state government.
The document identified targeted areas, including Mararaba, Jangargari, Wurgi, Gidan Antonny, Akon, Usende, Gaar, Vandikya, Chiata, Dooga, Gidan Baban Yara, Apelle, Pantaki, Kaambe, and the Stadium area. Yelewata—where the recent deadly attack occurred—was also listed among those at risk.
The memo further stated that Tiv communities and border villages between Benue and Nasarawa were especially vulnerable. It noted that the militias had been convening in Akpanaja, Rukuhi, and Andori in Doma LGA, and were amassing fighters in surrounding forests for a coordinated assault.
Specific staging locations mentioned include Amako and Igbabo forests near Mkoma and Doka villages, and Ikom forest, not far from the Yelwata-Udei-Ukohol and Kadarko Railway axis in Keana LGA. Other potential targets listed include Agatu, Gwer West and East, parts of Makurdi, Guma, and Loko communities in Benue State.
Military Engagement and Response
In response to the deteriorating security situation, OPWS commander Moses Gara convened a high-level meeting in May with stakeholders, including representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), in Makurdi.
A statement from Lawal Osabo, acting assistant director of army public relations for the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPWS, dated May 28, confirmed that the meeting addressed various issues such as farmer-herder clashes, retaliatory violence, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. Stakeholders, including security personnel and local authorities, were in attendance, and outcomes of the dialogue were expected to be escalated to the state government and relevant security agencies.
Following the June attack, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa disclosed that troops had been present in Yelewata on the day of the massacre. However, he said the assailants took advantage of misleading intelligence that redirected the troops to another location, allowing them to strike Yelewata unchallenged.
“The troops were there,” Musa said. “But they received false information about an attack in a different village. When they moved, the attackers struck Yelewata. That’s what happened.”
As of the time of this report, the DSS, Defence Headquarters, and Army had not issued official comments on the leaked memo or the subsequent events.
