Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered several firearms and ammunition during a security operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted by troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, under Operation HARD KNOCK, following intelligence about an alleged planned attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom.
The Army said the intelligence, received on August 19, indicated that suspected bandit militias were preparing to attack the community.
According to the military, the planned attack was believed to be connected to the alleged rustling of an unspecified number of cattle, reportedly involving some youths from the community.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the Army said troops were immediately deployed to search for the missing cattle and apprehend those allegedly responsible.
«“Consequently, troops were immediately deployed to conduct a fighting patrol and raid suspected locations, with the dual objective of recovering the missing cattle and apprehending those responsible,” the Army said.»
The troops also deployed drones and other surveillance equipment to search surrounding settlements and bush paths but reportedly found no trace of the cattle.
The Army said intelligence gathered during the operation identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators.
Troops subsequently raided Stanley’s residence, although he was not present when the operation was carried out.
The raid led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver rifle, two Dane guns and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The military said the operation was continuing in collaboration with the police and other security agencies, with troops conducting targeted searches around locations associated with other identified suspects.
It said the ongoing operations were aimed at recovering the allegedly stolen cattle, locating additional weapons and arresting those responsible.
The Army urged residents to remain alert and provide security agencies with credible information about suspicious movements and activities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms across Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in preventing the proliferation of illegal arms, protecting vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements the freedom to undermine peace and security in Plateau State,” it said.
