JOS, NIGERIA — Explosive new developments have emerged in the security situation in Plateau State as photographs linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to detained suspect Mahmoud Adam, widely known as the Ardo (Mayor) of Mahanga, have surfaced online, sparking intense public debate and renewed calls for high-level security investigations.
The revelations come in the wake of the recent arrest of Mahmoud Adam by state security agencies following accusations linking him to a spate of deadly raids and village takeovers across Plateau State.
Photographs Spark National Outrage
In images made public by investigative journalist Masara Kim, Senator Shehu Buba—who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District—is seen hosting and posing alongside Mahmoud Adam in private settings and high-profile group gatherings.
- Image 1: Shows a group of community, religious, and political representatives hosted indoors, including both Senator Buba and Mahmoud Adam.
- Image 2 & 3: Depict exclusive moments between Senator Buba and Adam, seated together on a sofa and exchanging handshakes outside.
- Image 4: Shows Mahmoud Adam in full traditional attire at a public assembly.
Senator Buba previously served nearly two years as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence—the vital committee overseeing the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). He was removed from the post following petitions alleging ties to criminal networks, charges he has repeatedly denied. Facing fresh scrutiny, Senator Buba recently submitted himself to the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, and DIA for questioning, maintaining his innocence.
The Shadow of Mahanga/Rankum
The arrest of Mahmoud Adam has placed a direct spotlight on Mahanga, a hilltop community located in Riyom Local Government Area, roughly 35 miles southwest of the state capital, Jos.
According to local historians and indigenous community accounts, the area originally known as Rankum was a Berom Christian community that was attacked and occupied on September 11, 2001. The occupiers renamed the settlement Mahanga (translating to “Watchtower”). Over the past two decades, local activists and indigenous youth organizations have alleged that the area transformed into an inaccessible enclave and staging ground for attacks across Plateau State and neighboring regions.
Questions Over Ongoing Security Operations
Despite the arrest of Mahmoud Adam—whom law enforcement cited as a high-value suspect linked to confessional statements and tactical evidence—attacks and security tensions in the region persist.
Local rights activists and youth coalitions, including the Indigenous Youths Nationalities, have praised the recent uncompromised enclaves raids executed by the DSS and security task forces. However, community leaders warn of imminent propaganda campaigns and press conferences aimed at accusing security agencies of bias in an attempt to secure the suspect’s release.
As investigations deepen, citizens across Nigeria and Plateau State continue to demand full transparency, accountability, and the unmasking of all high-profile political backers behind armed networks in the Middle Belt.
Senator Shehu Buba Submits Himself To DSS Over Allegations
This video provides important context on Senator Shehu Buba’s response to the allegations and his decision to surrender himself to security agencies for investigation.
