Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered about 800 cattle suspected to have been rustled by terrorists in Kingkis village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation took place at about 6:20 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, following a report of the movement of terrorists herding a large number of suspected rustled cattle through the area.

The troops Immediately initiated a pursuit operation and subsequently established contact with the terrorists.

Confronted by the advancing troops, the terrorists abandoned the cattle and fled into the surrounding forest.

The troops recovered the cattle and moved them to a safe location pending identification and verification of their rightful owners.

The troops have also continued offensive operations in the area in an effort to track the fleeing terrorists and prevent further criminal activities within the axis.

The recovery comes a day after troops of Sector 2, OPEP, also foiled a cattle-rustling attempt at Sabon Layi in Wase LGA and recovered 57 cattle, which were moved to a military base pending their handover to the owners.

The successive recoveries highlight the continuing security challenge posed by cattle rustling in parts of Plateau State and the potential for such criminal activities to worsen tensions between communities.

Security agencies are expected to intensify operations along rural routes and grazing corridors used by criminal elements while ensuring that recovered livestock are properly identified and returned to their legitimate owners. (Zagazola)