Troops from Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested 19 suspects during a raid on Tongoron Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a deadly ambush that claimed the lives of security personnel. The arrests came after gunmen attacked a joint security patrol on Tuesday, August 4, killing a police inspector and an Air Force corporal before escaping with their weapons.
Details of the Ambush and Raid
The operation was conducted at about 1:30 p.m. on August 4, 2026, as part of follow-up efforts to track down those responsible for the attack on troops at a snap roadblock along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida axis. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, troops raided Tongoron Community, where 19 suspects were arrested for profiling and further investigation.
The suspects comprise 14 natives and five Fulani residents, according to sources. Military authorities said the arrested persons are currently undergoing profiling to determine any possible links to the ambush and other criminal activities in the area.
Ongoing Operations
The raid forms part of ongoing clearance and cordon-and-search operations by Operation Enduring Peace, aimed at identifying the perpetrators of the attack, recovering stolen weapons, and preventing further security breaches in Riyom Local Government Area. The operation underscores the military's commitment to restoring peace in the region, which has seen recurring incidents of violence and criminality.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects or whether any weapons were recovered during the raid. However, the profiling process is expected to yield crucial intelligence that could lead to the apprehension of the masterminds behind the ambush.
Impact on Security in Plateau
The ambush and subsequent arrests highlight the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where joint patrols have been intensified to curb attacks on security forces and civilians. The loss of a police inspector and an Air Force corporal has heightened concerns about the safety of personnel operating in the area, prompting calls for more robust measures to protect them.
Operation Enduring Peace continues to conduct cordon-and-search operations in Riyom and surrounding areas, with troops remaining on high alert to prevent further attacks. The military has urged residents to cooperate with security forces by providing information that could help in the fight against criminal elements.
