Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner, neutralised two suspected terrorists and dismantled several terrorist camps during coordinated operations in Plateau State.
The operations, conducted across Mangu, Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas, also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistics believed to be used by the terrorists.
The Media Information Officer of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Oteh, disclosed this in a statement, saying troops arrested Adamu Adamu, popularly known as Jauro, at Gindiri Market in Mangu Local Government Area.
According to him, the suspect was arrested with an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and is currently in custody for further investigation.
Oteh further stated that troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade conducted offensive operations at Dajin Madam forest, covering Kanam and Wase local government areas, on November 8, clearing several terrorist camps and destroying their structures.
Items recovered during the operation included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT links, four mobile phones, two radios, four motorcycles, two drums of petrol and camouflage uniforms.
He added that troops also neutralised two terrorists during an encounter near Kukawa village, with additional motorcycles recovered.
Meanwhile, the security operations came amid renewed attacks on communities in Plateau State, with two youth organisations reporting the killing of six people and injuries to three others in separate incidents.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, reported that five people, including a soldier, were killed in attacks on Gwol-Hoss in Riyom and Bel community in Barkin Ladi on Sunday, November 8.
Those killed were identified as Danladi Badung, 65; Emmanuel Pam Dachung, 15; Joseph Gyang, 28; Emmanuel Yohanna, 32; and an unidentified soldier.
The association said two other persons sustained injuries, with one of the victims in critical condition at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
It called on the state government and security agencies to investigate the attacks, apprehend the perpetrators and strengthen security deployments in vulnerable communities.
Similarly, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement (MYM) reported an attack on Larkas community in Panyam District of Mangu Local Government Area on November 8, which claimed the life of 31-year-old Gambo Mangu.
The movement’s Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Sunday, said the victim’s sister, 34-year-old Charity Mangu, sustained injuries during the attack.
He said the incident had renewed fears in a community still struggling to recover from previous attacks and displacement.
The movement called on the Plateau and Federal Governments to strengthen security operations along vulnerable border communities and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
