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Nigerian Army troops have foiled a suspected planned attack on Mwar Community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following intelligence of an imminent assault by suspected bandit militias.
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The operation followed reports of cattle rustling allegedly involving some youths in the community, prompting troops to launch a fighting patrol and targeted raids to recover the animals and identify those responsible.
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Troops raided the residence of a suspected cattle-rustling suspect and recovered AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated revolver rifle, Dane guns and 15 rounds of ammunition.
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The Army, working with the Police and other security agencies, has intensified searches for other suspects and missing cattle while urging residents to provide credible intelligence on suspicious activities.
August 20, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has foiled an alleged plan by suspected bandit militias to attack Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering several firearms and ammunition during a raid on suspected locations.
The operation was conducted by troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, as part of ongoing Operation HARD KNOCK aimed at preventing attacks, disrupting criminal networks and restoring lasting peace in communities across Plateau State.
The Army, in a statement on Thursday, said the operation followed credible human intelligence received on August 19, 2026, indicating that suspected bandit militias were preparing to attack the community.
Preliminary findings by the military indicated that the planned attack may have been connected to the reported rustling of an unconfirmed number of cattle allegedly involving some youths from Mwar Community.
Following the intelligence, troops were immediately deployed to conduct a fighting patrol and raid suspected locations in an effort to recover the missing cattle and apprehend those believed to be responsible.
Upon arrival in the area, the troops deployed drones and other surveillance assets to conduct extensive reconnaissance of surrounding settlements and bush locations where the stolen cattle might have been taken.
Despite the systematic search, the troops did not locate the missing cattle.
However, intelligence gathered during the operation reportedly identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators of the alleged cattle rustling.
Acting on the intelligence, troops carried out a snap raid on Stanley’s residence. Although the suspect was not at home when the troops arrived, the operation resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of weapons.
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Recovered items included 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 the recovery was part of its broader effort to prevent illegal arms from falling into the hands of criminal elements capable of using them to attack communities and security personnel.
Troops, alongside the Police and other relevant security agencies, have consequently intensified offensive operations and targeted searches around the locations of other identified suspects.
The military urged residents of Mwar and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, activities or individuals to security agencies.
It also appealed to members of the public to provide credible and actionable intelligence that could assist security forces in preventing attacks and dismantling criminal networks operating within the area.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
