Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 8’s Operation ENDURING PEACE as part of the broader Operation HARD KNOCK, have foiled a suspected plot to attack Mwar Community in the Chakfem Kingdom, Mangu Local Government Area, recovering several firearms in the process.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army, the operation was launched after credible human intelligence received on August 19, 2026, pointed to an imminent threat from suspected bandit militias. Investigators believe the planned assault may have been tied to allegations that youths from the community were involved in cattle rustling.
“Troops were immediately deployed to conduct a fighting patrol and raid suspected locations,” the Army said, adding that the mission had the dual aim of recovering the missing livestock and apprehending those responsible.
Soldiers reportedly used drones and other surveillance tools to search nearby settlements and bushland for the stolen cattle. While no trace of the animals was found, intelligence pointed to a local resident, identified as Pantong Stanley, along with other youths, as suspected perpetrators.
Troops subsequently carried out a snap raid on Stanley’s residence, though he was not present when soldiers arrived. The search, however, turned up a substantial weapons cache: one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK-47-style rifle, a locally made revolver rifle, two Dane guns, and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The Army said operations are ongoing, with troops working alongside police and other security agencies to track down additional suspects, recover the missing cattle, and locate further arms caches.
In its statement, Operation ENDURING PEACE called on residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity to security agencies, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property 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,” the statement concluded.
