Troops neutralise militia member in Plateau, recover two local rifles

Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) troops have successfully neutralized an armed militia member and recovered two locally made AK-47 rifles after a confrontation near Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State. The incident unfolded on Sunday, August 9, 2026, following reports of suspicious activity in the Kantoma, Bwom, and Jakatai communities.

According to counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama, troops stationed at Maraban Kantoma received a distress call around 3:51 p.m., alerting them to the movement of unidentified individuals in the surrounding bushes.

Upon receiving the distress call, troops from the NYSC camp swiftly responded to the threat and moved to confront the attackers. Additionally, a joint clearance and show-of-force team, under Operation RAINBOW, was en route from Mangun towards Jos when residents in Jakatai alerted them to the escalating security situation. The joint team diverted towards Jakatai and engaged the armed elements, while troops operating along the Kantoma axis faced heavy gunfire from the militia.

The exchange resulted in the neutralization of one militia member inside Jakatai community, while others fled the area. Two locally manufactured AK-47 rifles were subsequently recovered by the troops – one from the neutralized suspect and another abandoned by a fleeing attacker. The body of the neutralized suspect was later handed over to Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary, while the security team continued their journey towards Jos.

However, the aftermath of the attack saw civil unrest erupt in Jakatai, where youths and women blocked the Mangu-Jos Highway, disrupting traffic and causing temporary public order issues. In response, the Commander of Sector 8 ordered the troops to reopen the highway and disperse the protesters, allowing for the restoration of free movement and preventing further escalation of the situation.

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, particularly in regions where armed groups continue to pose threats to both communities and security forces.