The Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated legal proceedings by filing multiple, separate charges against individuals suspected of involvement in various acts of terrorism, reprisal attacks, and illegal firearms possession. These charges, lodged before a federal high court in Abuja, stem from intelligence-led operations following attacks, notably those in Yelwata village, Guma LGA of Benue State, which occurred on June 13 and 14, 2025, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Specifically, two suspects, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both hailing from Awe LGA in Nasarawa State, are facing a four-count charge. They are accused of conspiring with others still at large—including Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina—to commit acts of terrorism in Abinsi and Yelwata. The DSS alleges they concealed critical information about these planned attacks between June 13 and 14, 2025, which could have prevented the killings. These offenses contravene Section 12 and Section 29 (for preparing to commit acts of terrorism) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. The charges were filed by Muhammad Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation.

In a distinct legal action, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both residents of Guma LGA in Benue, face three counts. They are accused of conducting reprisal attacks against initial terror suspects involved in the Abinsi and Yelwata incidents. Their charges include participating in meetings that led to terrorist acts, resulting in the destruction of property and the death of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State, contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act. Furthermore, they are alleged to have conspired in July 2025 in Daudu town, Guma LGA, to carry out additional terrorist acts and knowingly received firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, from an individual named Alhaji Uba.

Another case involves Halima Haliru Umar, a 32-year-old woman from Faskari LGA, Katsina. She is charged with four counts for allegedly concealing information about Alhaji Sani, identified as a suspected gun runner, bandit, and kidnapper. She is also accused of transporting 302 live rounds of AK-47 ammunition to bandits in July 2025, violating Sections 6 and 13 of the Terrorism Prevention Act.

Separately, Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA in Benue faces a six-count charge for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, and 683 rounds of live ammunition, all without a license. This offense is punishable under Section 27 of the Firearms Act. Additionally, two elderly men, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, were arraigned on four counts of illegal possession and trafficking of firearms, including AK-47 rifles and revolvers, which they allegedly purchased and resold for millions of naira without licenses, breaching Sections 9 and 27 of the Firearms Act, 2024. Danjuma Antu of Jos North, Plateau State, was also accused of unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols capable of firing 9mm ammunition.

The federal government has stated that more suspects caught with firearms have also been charged in connection with the ongoing violence. As of now, no trial date has been fixed for any of the accused.