SBM warns Plateau reprisal attacks could escalate into high-intensity conflict
SB Morgen Intelligence (SBMI) has warned that continued reprisal attacks between armed Fulani and Berom/Mwaghavul groups in Plateau State could push the conflict into a high-intensity phase, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area. The post SBM warns Plateau reprisal attacks could escalate into high-intensity conflict appeared first on Nairametrics .
SBM Intelligence has issued a warning that escalating reprisal attacks between Fulani and Berom/Mwaghavul groups in Plateau State could quickly intensify into high-intensity conflict, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area. This comes after a series of violent incidents spanning from late 2025, characterized by retaliatory attacks that have periodically occurred at low to medium intensity.
The latest reported attack in Bin-Per, where up to 23 people were killed, possibly occurred as retaliation for an earlier assault on herders in Naben village. The intelligence report identifies Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs as highly volatile regions, citing a history of clashes between Mwaghavul and Fulani communities. The killing of two herders in Naben is believed to have triggered the broader cycle of violence, illustrating how individual incidents can rapidly escalate into widespread conflict.
Additionally, a young woman's murder in Gana Ropp, Barkin Ladi, is linked to this pattern of persistent violence. The report warns that criminal elements might exploit the ongoing unrest for criminal activities such as looting and murder. The deterioration of community trust and existing weaknesses in preventing attacks and reprisals are highlighted as contributing factors.
Military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East, aimed at disrupting their bases and supply lines, have inadvertently pushed these groups towards opportunistic raids on rural communities, including cattle rustling and looting. These developments have led to attacks in states like Zamfara and Sokoto, with potential for further escalations if security pressures ease.
Presidential directives to establish a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan indicate heightened attention to these security concerns. The report specifically cautions about the increased risk of direct clashes between Lakurawa militants and the military, especially in Kaya and Tambuwal LGA, should security measures loosen.
Written by urgent.news from Nairametrics's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
