Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered AK-47 rifles, locally fabricated weapons and ammunition during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation followed intelligence reports of a planned attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom by suspected bandit militias.
The troops, operating under Sector 8 of Operation ENDURING PEACE as part of Operation HARD KNOCK, launched the operation after receiving information about an imminent threat to the community.
According to the Army, preliminary findings suggested that the planned attack may have been linked to the alleged rustling of an unspecified number of cattle by some youths from the area.
The Army said troops immediately deployed for a fighting patrol and raid of suspected locations with the aim of recovering the missing cattle and arresting those responsible.
It said drones and surveillance equipment were deployed to search surrounding communities and bushes, but the missing animals were not found.
The Army identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators.
Acting on the intelligence, troops raided Stanley’s residence, but he was not found at the location.
During the operation, the troops recovered 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 Army said operations were ongoing with the support of the police and other security agencies to recover more weapons, locate arms caches and arrest other suspects linked to the incident.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies on suspicious activities.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal arms proliferation and protecting communities across Plateau State and the North Central region.
