Troops neutralize suspected bandits and recover stolen livestock in Plateau State

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have neutralised suspected bandits after an attack on security personnel during a clearance operation in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident was reported in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter‑insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region.

Makama said the operation began at about 7:00 a.m. on June 26, following credible reports of armed livestock rustlers operating around the Gero high grounds in Jos South LGA.

During the operation, the troops intercepted a herd of cattle that was allegedly grazing on cultivated farmland.

He added that the troops came under sporadic gunfire from suspected militia shortly after the interception.

The troops responded by holding their position and calling for reinforcements.

Makama further revealed that additional troops from Sector 3 at Rafin Bauna, together with other reinforcements led by the Commander of Sector 6, were quickly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a firefight.

“During the encounter, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he said.

“A search of the area led to the recovery of two mobile phones and the sum of N14,000, believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.”

“The intercepted cattle were moved to a safe location for further necessary action.”

“Troops have continued clearance operations and domination patrols across the area to forestall further attacks and deny criminal elements freedom of action in Plateau State,” he added.