Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two teenage herders in connection with the alleged destruction of farmlands in Jos East and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State. The arrests come amid ongoing efforts to prevent farmer-herder clashes from escalating into violence in the region.
Arrest in Kerker Community
According to intelligence sources, troops of Sub-Sector 12 responded at about 12:30 p.m. on August 4, 2026, to a report of farmland destruction belonging to Matthew Ezekiel at Kerker Community. On arrival at the scene, the troops arrested Yusuf Zakariah, 17, a herder suspected to be connected with the incident.
The sources said efforts are underway to resolve the dispute peacefully, with both parties currently engaged in negotiations alongside the Ardo, Muhammad Zakariah, under the supervision of security personnel. Operation Enduring Peace said it would continue to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities while ensuring that individuals found culpable for acts capable of disrupting public peace are brought to justice.
Rescue of 13-Year-Old Herder
Similarly, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued a 13-year-old herder who was detained by farmers following an alleged farm destruction incident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. on Aug. 1, when troops of Sector 3 OPEP responded to a distress call from Hura Community over the destruction of farmland.
On arrival, the troops discovered that local farmers had apprehended one of the herders, identified as Abdul Mahmudu, 13, while the other herders had fled the area with their cattle. The troops immediately took the teenager into protective custody to prevent the situation from escalating and to ensure his safety pending further action.
Conflict Resolution Efforts
Security sources said Fulani community leaders were contacted to facilitate the resolution of the dispute and identify the owners of the livestock involved. The sources added that efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter through established conflict-resolution mechanisms in line with ongoing measures to prevent farmer-herder disputes from degenerating into violence across Plateau State.
The incident is one of several farm destruction cases recently handled by Operation Enduring Peace as troops continue to intensify patrols and mediate disputes in flashpoint communities across the state.
