Troops Neutralise Militia Member In Plateau, Recover Two Rifles

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have neutralised an armed militia member and recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles following a gun battle in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 9, 2026, after security personnel received reports of suspicious movements around bushes linking Kantoma, Bwom and Jakatai communities.

According to security sources cited by counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama, troops stationed at Maraban Kantoma received a distress call from local youth leaders at about 3:51pm.

The youths reportedly alerted the troops to the movement of unidentified persons in the surrounding bushes.

The situation later escalated when armed militia members allegedly attacked Rangai community in Mangu Halle District and began firing sporadically.

Troops from the NYSC camp quickly responded to the distress call and moved towards the affected area to confront the attackers.

At the same time, a joint clearance and show-of-force team operating under Operation RAINBOW was travelling from Mangun towards Jos when residents of Jakatai alerted them about the unfolding security situation.

The team reportedly diverted towards Jakatai and engaged the armed men.

Meanwhile, troops operating around the Kantoma axis also came under heavy gunfire from the militia members.

The soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat in different directions.

During the exchange of gunfire, one militia member was reportedly neutralised inside Jakatai community.

Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles were later recovered by the troops. One of the rifles was reportedly found with the neutralised suspect, while the second was allegedly abandoned by another attacker who fled the area.

Security sources said the troops acted quickly to prevent the violence from spreading to neighbouring communities.

The body of the neutralised militia member was subsequently deposited at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary.

However, the security operation was followed by civil unrest in Jakatai.

Youths and women reportedly barricaded the Mangu-Jos Highway, disrupting traffic and temporarily affecting movement in the area.

Following the development, the Commander of Sector 8 directed troops to reopen the highway and disperse the protesters.

The troops subsequently carried out an assessment of the Rangai area to determine the situation on the ground and prevent further escalation.

A security source said the immediate priority was to restore free movement on the highway and ensure that the situation did not worsen.

The latest incident highlights the continuing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where armed groups have continued to pose threats to residents and security personnel.

Authorities are expected to sustain security operations in the affected communities to prevent further attacks and maintain peace.