Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have neutralised an armed militia member and recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles following a violent attack in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The incident unfolded after reports of suspicious movements in the bushes linking Kantoma, Bwom, and Jakatai communities triggered a swift military response. Security forces responded to a distress call from local youth leaders at around 3:51 p.m., prompting immediate action to contain the threat.
The situation escalated when armed militia members launched an attack on Rangai community within the Mangu Halle District, opening sporadic fire that endangered civilians. Troops stationed at Maraban Kantoma, along with reinforcements from the NYSC camp, mobilised quickly to confront the attackers. Simultaneously, a joint clearance and show-of-force team under Operation RAINBOW, en route from Mangun to Jos, received alerts from residents in Jakatai about the unfolding violence and diverted their mission to engage the assailants.
During the intense exchange, troops operating along the Kantoma axis came under heavy gunfire from the militia. In response, security personnel unleashed superior firepower, forcing the attackers into disarray and retreat. One militant was neutralised inside Jakatai community, while others scattered in different directions. Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles were recovered—one from the body of the neutralised suspect and another left behind by a fleeing attacker.
Security sources confirmed that the timely intervention prevented the violence from spreading to nearby communities. The body of the deceased suspect was later taken to the Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary for identification and further procedures. Despite the successful repulsion of the attack, civil unrest erupted shortly afterward in Jakatai, as youths and women blocked the Mangu-Jos Highway, disrupting traffic and causing temporary chaos.
In response, the Commander of Sector 8 ordered troops to restore order, reopen the highway, and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the Rangai area. A security source stated that the primary objective was to ensure free movement of traffic and prevent further escalation. This incident underscores the persistent insecurity in parts of Plateau State, where armed groups continue to threaten both civilians and security operations. The military’s rapid response highlights ongoing efforts to maintain peace, but challenges remain in stabilising volatile regions.
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