Nigerian Army troops have disrupted a planned attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering five rifles and 15 rounds of ammunition in a raid on a suspected arms cache.
The Army in a post via its X handle on Thursday, said the operation was carried out on Wednesday, August 19, by troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, following credible intelligence that suspected bandit militias were preparing to attack the community.
It said the intelligence came amid reports of cattle rustling involving an unconfirmed number of cattle allegedly taken by some youths from the community, raising fears that the incident could trigger a reprisal attack.
The Army said its troops launched a fighting patrol and targeted searches across the area, combining ground operations with drone surveillance to locate the missing cattle and identify those behind the alleged rustling.
The cattle were not found despite an extensive search of surrounding settlements and bush locations.
However, intelligence gathered during the operation pointed to Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators. Troops subsequently raided Stanley’s residence, although he was not at home when the operation was conducted.
It said the raid nevertheless yielded 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 has also highlighted the risk of a cattle-rustling incident developing into a wider security crisis, particularly where access to firearms could turn a local dispute into an armed reprisal.
It said troops, alongside the police and other security agencies, have consequently sustained targeted searches around locations linked to other suspects as efforts continue to recover the missing cattle, locate possible additional arms caches and apprehend those responsible.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to prevent attacks, contain criminal activity and protect communities across Plateau State.
The Nigerian Army urged residents to remain alert and promptly share credible information on suspicious activities with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence is critical to preventing attacks and protecting lives and property.
The Army said it remains committed to curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and denying criminal elements the opportunity to exploit local disputes to undermine peace in Plateau State and the wider North Central region.
