Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 8 of Operation ENDURING PEACE as part of Operation HARD KNOCK, have foiled a suspected attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition during a raid on a suspect's residence.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, followed credible human intelligence indicating an imminent threat by suspected bandit militias against the community. Preliminary findings by the military suggested that the planned attack may have been linked to the reported rustling of an unconfirmed number of cattle allegedly by some youths from the community.
Following the intelligence, troops were immediately deployed to conduct a fighting patrol and raid suspected locations, with the dual objective of recovering the missing cattle and apprehending those believed to be responsible. The troops deployed drones and other surveillance capabilities to conduct extensive reconnaissance across surrounding settlements and bush locations in search of the missing cattle. Although no traces of the animals were found after a systematic search, intelligence identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators.
Acting on the intelligence, troops conducted a snap raid on Stanley's residence. Although the suspect was not present at the time of the operation, the raid yielded the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver rifle, two Dane guns, and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The Nigerian Army said troops, in conjunction with the police and other relevant security agencies, are currently sustaining offensive operations and targeted searches around the vicinity of other identified suspects, with a view to recovering the missing cattle, locating additional arms caches and apprehending those responsible. The military has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities to security agencies.
The operation comes a day after the military relocated the tactical headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace from Jos to Mangu following a series of deadly attacks in the area. The Commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General W.M. Dangana, said the relocation was intended to improve the military's response to security threats in Mangu and surrounding communities. He also announced the commencement of Operation Hard Knock, aimed at dismantling armed groups and restoring security in the area.
The development followed the August 18 attack on Bin Mper community in Mangu, where Amnesty International said 24 people were killed. The organisation called for an investigation into security lapses that enabled the attack. The Plateau State Police Command later said Commissioner of Police Ayodeji Faniyan visited the community and assured residents that the perpetrators would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to "safeguarding lives and property" and maintaining a secure environment for peaceful coexistence across Plateau State and the wider North Central region. "The Nigerian Army remains resolute in preventing the proliferation of illegal arms, protecting vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements the freedom to undermine peace and security in Plateau State," it said. The latest military operation forms part of intensified security operations in Mangu as authorities respond to renewed attacks and attempts by armed groups to destabilise communities in the area.
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