Plateau arms recovery sees troops seize five rifles and 15 rounds of ammunition after intelligence raised fears of an attack in Mangu

Nigerian Army troops under Sector 8 of Operation Enduring Peace recovered five rifles and 15 rounds of ammunition in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, after intelligence indicated a possible attack on Mwar community in Chakfem Kingdom.

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The operation was conducted under Operation Hard Knock following reports of an imminent threat by suspected bandit militias, according to the Nigerian Army.

The intelligence emerged against the backdrop of an alleged cattle-rustling incident involving an unconfirmed number of animals reportedly taken from the area by some youths from the community.

The Army said the reported cattle theft was considered a possible trigger for the planned attack, although its preliminary findings did not establish the whereabouts of the missing animals.

Troops were subsequently deployed on a fighting patrol and carried out raids on locations linked to people identified through intelligence gathering.

The Army said drones and other surveillance equipment were used to search surrounding settlements and bush areas for the cattle. The systematic search, however, produced no trace of the animals.

One of the locations searched was the residence of Pantong Stanley, whom intelligence identified alongside other youths as a suspected perpetrator. Stanley was not present when troops conducted a snap raid on his residence.

The search nevertheless produced a significant arms haul. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver rifle and two Dane guns, alongside 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The recovery came as security agencies continued efforts to prevent a suspected attack from escalating into wider violence in the area.

The Nigerian Army said troops were working with the police and other relevant security agencies to conduct further searches around locations associated with other identified suspects.

“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 Army said.

The operation also reflects the delicate security environment in parts of Plateau State, where disputes involving communities, livestock and allegations of attacks have repeatedly created tension and the potential for reprisal violence.

For residents of Mangu and surrounding communities, the recovery provides a potentially crucial intervention at a sensitive moment.

The seizure of the weapons may help security agencies establish whether the firearms were connected to the alleged attack plan or other criminal activity.

The Army urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing the importance of cooperation between communities and security personnel.

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It also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while supporting peaceful coexistence across Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.