Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a planned attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated revolver rifle, two Dane guns and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The operation followed credible intelligence received on August 19, 2026, indicating an imminent threat to the community by suspected bandit militias.
According to the Army, preliminary findings indicated that the planned attack might have been linked to the reported rustling of an unconfirmed number of cattle allegedly by some youths from the community.
Following the intelligence, troops were immediately deployed to conduct a fighting patrol and raid suspected locations, with the objectives of recovering the missing cattle and apprehending those responsible.
On arrival in the area, the troops deployed drones and other surveillance capabilities to conduct extensive reconnaissance across surrounding settlements and bush locations in search of the missing cattle.
The Army said the systematic search did not yield any trace of the cattle, but intelligence gathered during the operation identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators.
Acting on the intelligence, troops conducted a snap raid on Stanley’s residence. He was not present when the troops arrived, but the operation led to the recovery of the firearms and ammunition.
The recovered weapons comprised 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, in conjunction with the Police and other relevant security agencies, were sustaining offensive operations and targeted searches around the vicinity of other identified suspects.
The operations were aimed at recovering the missing cattle, locating additional arms caches and apprehending those responsible, it added.
The Operation ENDURING PEACE urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities to security agencies.
The operation also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining a secure environment for peaceful coexistence across Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.
The Nigerian Army said it remained committed to preventing the proliferation of illegal arms, protecting vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements the opportunity to undermine peace and security in Plateau State.
