TROOPS RECOVER AK 47 RIFLES, OTHER WEAPONS IN PLATEAU STATE
Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 8 of Operation ENDURING PEACE, have recovered several firearms and ammunition during a raid conducted as part of efforts to prevent a suspected attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation followed credible human intelligence received on 19 August 2026 indicating that suspected bandit militias were planning an attack on the community.
Preliminary findings suggest that the planned assault may have been connected to the reported rustling of an unconfirmed number of cattle allegedly involving some youths from the community.
Following the intelligence, troops were immediately deployed to conduct a fighting patrol and search suspected locations, with the objectives of recovering the missing cattle and apprehending persons believed to be responsible.
Upon arrival, troops deployed drones and other surveillance assets to conduct reconnaissance across nearby settlements and bush locations in search of the cattle. The search did not yield any trace of the missing animals.
Further intelligence identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators. Troops subsequently conducted a snap raid on 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.
Troops, working alongside the Police and other security agencies, have continued targeted searches around locations associated with other identified suspects. The operations are aimed at recovering the missing cattle, locating additional weapons caches and apprehending persons suspected of involvement.
Operation ENDURING PEACE urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information about suspicious activities to security agencies.
The Nigerian Army said it remains committed to preventing the circulation of illegal firearms, protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining conditions conducive to peaceful coexistence across Plateau State and the wider North Central region.
