Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered two AK-47 rifles and other weapons during an operation to prevent a suspected attack on Mwar community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted on Wednesday under Sector 8 of Operation Enduring Peace as part of Operation Hard Knock, following intelligence about an alleged plan by suspected bandits to attack the community, according to a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s verified social media handle.
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According to the statement, the intelligence was linked to the reported rustling of cattle by some youths from the community.
The army said troops were deployed to conduct fighting patrols and raids in the area, with the aim of recovering the cattle and apprehending those suspected of being involved.
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Troops subsequently used drones and other surveillance equipment to search surrounding settlements and bush locations but did not find the missing cattle.
The army said intelligence gathered during the operation identified one Pantong Stanley and others from the community as suspected perpetrators.
A raid on Mr Stanley’s residence, however, did not find him at home. 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 from the residence.
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The army said troops, working with the police and other security agencies, were conducting further searches around the residences and locations of other identified suspects.
The operation comes a day after the military relocated the tactical headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace from Jos to Mangu following a series of deadly attacks in the area.
The Commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Williams Dangana, said the relocation was intended to improve the military’s response to security threats in Mangu and surrounding communities.
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He also announced the commencement of Operation Hard Knock, aimed at dismantling armed groups and restoring security in Mangu and adjoining areas.
The development followed the 18 August attack on Bin Mper community in Mangu, where Amnesty International said 24 people were killed.
The organisation called for an investigation into security lapses that enabled the attack.
The Plateau State Police Command later said Commissioner of Police Ayodeji Faniyan visited the community and assured residents that the perpetrators would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The latest military operation forms part of intensified security operations in Mangu as authorities respond to renewed attacks and attempts by armed groups to destabilise communities in the area.
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