Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered AK-47 rifles, other weapons and ammunition during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The troops, operating under Sector 8 of Operation ENDURING PEACE as part of Operation HARD KNOCK, launched the operation following credible intelligence of a planned attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom.

The intelligence received on August 19, 2026, indicated an imminent threat by suspected bandit militias.

The Army said preliminary findings suggested that the planned attack may have been linked to the reported rustling of an unconfirmed number of cattle allegedly by some youths from the community.

The Army in a post shared on X on Thursday said, “Consequently, troops were immediately deployed to conduct a fighting patrol and raid suspected locations, with the dual objective of recovering the missing cattle and apprehending those responsible.”

“Troops deployed drones and other surveillance capabilities to search surrounding settlements and bush locations for the missing cattle, but no traces of the animals were found after a systematic search.”

According to the Army, intelligence identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators.

“Acting on the intelligence, troops conducted a snap raid on the residence of Pantong Stanley, who was not present at the time of the operation,” it said.

The operation, however, 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, in conjunction with the police and other relevant security agencies, were continuing offensive operations and targeted searches around the areas linked to other identified suspects.

It said the operations were aimed at recovering the missing cattle, locating additional arms caches and apprehending those responsible.

The Army urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information about suspicious activities to security agencies.

It 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 remains resolute in preventing the proliferation of illegal arms, protecting vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements the freedom to undermine peace and security in Plateau State,” it said. (PUNCH)

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