Troops Neutralise Suspected Bandit, Recover Rustled Livestock in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have neutralised a suspected bandit during a clearance operation in Jos South Local Government Area after coming under attack from armed men.

The development was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post shared on X.

According to him, the operation was carried out at about 7:00 a.m. on June 26 following credible intelligence about the activities of armed livestock rustlers around the Gero high grounds in Jos South.

During the operation, troops reportedly intercepted a herd of cattle believed to have been rustled while grazing on cultivated farmland. Shortly after the interception, suspected militia members opened sporadic gunfire on the security personnel.

The troops held their ground and called for reinforcements. Additional personnel from Sector 3 at Rafin Bauna, along with other reinforcements led by the Commander of Sector 6, were deployed to the area and engaged the attackers.

According to Zagazola, one suspected bandit was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while others escaped.

A search of the area led to the recovery of two mobile phones and ₦14,000, which were believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

The intercepted cattle were moved to a secure location for further action.

Troops have continued clearance operations and domination patrols across the area to prevent further attacks and deny criminal groups freedom of movement in Plateau State.