Army deploys 178 troops to Plateau’s Mangu amid rising tension

The Nigerian Army has dispatched 178 troops from the 236 Tank Battalion to Mangu in Plateau State, a move aimed at bolstering security amid escalating tensions. This deployment took place on September 25, 2026, with the first contingent comprising two groups of 89 personnel each, led by the battalion's Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. H.O. Obire. Upon arrival, the troops were greeted by the Commander of Sector 8 OPEP.

The newly arrived personnel commenced familiarization with their Area of Responsibility and operational duties immediately upon arriving. The heightened security situation in Mangu and adjacent communities, marked by numerous attacks, murders, livestock destruction, and retaliatory incidents, prompted this deployment.

Security officials anticipate that these additional troops will bolster troop presence in vulnerable locales, enhancing the sector's responsiveness to emerging threats. Furthermore, these personnel are slated to collaborate with other security and emergency response entities in the region to safeguard civilians, deter subsequent assaults, and uphold security within the sector's purview.