Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an ambush by suspected bandits in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a post on its official social media handle, stating that the troops were conducting a follow-up operation based on intelligence obtained from a suspected bandit arrested earlier.
Operation Details
According to the army, the operation was launched after the suspect confessed to involvement in criminal activities and led troops to Nwur village to recover a weapon he had allegedly concealed there. The troops came under attack from members of the suspected criminal group at the location.
In the ensuing exchange of fire, the troops responded, killing one suspected bandit and arresting another. Following the encounter, a search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. The troops have continued search operations in the area to locate other members of the suspected bandit group, the statement added.
Recent Attacks in Plateau
The operation comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of Plateau State, particularly communities and routes where residents have reported attacks by gunmen. Premium Times recently reported that gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol along the Ganawuri-Sabon Gida Road in Riyom Local Government Area, killing a police inspector and a Nigerian Air Force corporal and taking their service rifles.
Following that attack, troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, arrested 19 people during a raid on Tongoron community in Riyom for profiling and investigation. The suspects included 14 indigenes and five Fulani residents.
Other Incidents and Security Pressure
Premium Times also reported the killing of a former councillor of Rim Ward in Riyom, Daniel Danjuma Chong, popularly known as Hon. Star, during a late-night attack in Torok village. In another incident along the Riyom-Abuja highway, troops rescued seven travellers who had been abducted by suspected kidnappers near Sopp village after engaging the attackers and forcing them to flee.
The repeated attacks have increased pressure on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, protect vulnerable communities, and prevent criminal groups from operating across Plateau’s rural corridors. The army's continued search operations in Langtang North aim to dismantle the suspected bandit group and restore security in the area.
