Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have recovered several firearms and ammunition during a raid on a suspected arms cache in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted on August 19, 2026, following credible human intelligence indicating plans by suspected bandit militias to attack Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom.
According to the Army, the planned attack may have been linked to the reported rustling of an unconfirmed number of cattle allegedly by some youths from the community.
Following the intelligence, troops launched a fighting patrol and raid aimed at recovering the missing cattle and apprehending those suspected of involvement.
Using drones and other surveillance capabilities, the troops conducted extensive reconnaissance of surrounding settlements and bush locations. Although the missing cattle were not found, intelligence gathered during the operation identified Pantong Stanley and other youths as suspected perpetrators.
Troops subsequently raided Stanley’s residence, but he was not present when the operation was carried out. The raid nevertheless 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 Army said troops, working alongside the police and other security agencies, have continued targeted searches around the locations of other identified suspects.
The ongoing operations are aimed at recovering the missing cattle, locating additional arms caches and arresting those responsible.
Operation ENDURING PEACE urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities to security agencies.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the proliferation of illegal arms, protecting vulnerable communities and sustaining peace and security across Plateau State and the wider North Central region.
