Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner, killed two suspected terrorists and dismantled several camps during coordinated security operations across Plateau State, as military personnel continue efforts to disrupt armed groups operating in parts of the state.
The operations covered Mangu, Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas, where soldiers reportedly targeted individuals suspected of supplying weapons to criminal groups and locations believed to support their activities. The Army also announced the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment and other supplies during the separate missions.
The military disclosed the developments in a statement released on Monday, November 9, explaining that the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to weaken the networks that sustain armed groups across Plateau State.
Plateau Army Operation Leads to Suspected Gunrunner’s Arrest in Mangu
One of the operations resulted in the arrest of a suspected gunrunner at Gindiri Market in Mangu Local Government Area, where troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE Special Tactical Team reportedly acted on intelligence about the suspect’s activities.
The Army identified the arrested individual as Adamu Adamu, popularly known as Jauro, and alleged that he was involved in the supply of weapons to criminal elements operating within the area.
According to the military, soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation. Troops subsequently took the suspect into custody alongside the recovered items for further investigation.
The arrest is significant to the military’s stated strategy of targeting not only individuals directly involved in violent activities but also those suspected of providing weapons and other forms of support to armed groups.
However, the allegations against the suspect remain subject to investigation, and his arrest does not establish his guilt.
Army Dismantles Suspected Terrorist Camps in Kanam and Wase
In another development, soldiers of the 33 Artillery Brigade conducted an offensive operation on November 8 around Dajin Madam Forest, an area stretching across parts of Kanam and Wase local government areas.
The Army said troops moved into the forest to locate and dismantle camps allegedly occupied by suspected terrorists, with the mission aimed at disrupting the locations and supply arrangements that could allow the groups to maintain their activities.
During the operation, soldiers reportedly encountered armed individuals, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The military claimed that the suspected terrorists eventually withdrew from the area.
The Army also reported that troops observed bloodstains along the routes used by the fleeing individuals, which it said suggested that some of them might have sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Following the encounter, soldiers searched the surrounding locations and recovered several items believed to have been used by the armed groups.
The recovered materials reportedly included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, four mobile phones, two communication radios and four motorcycles.
Troops also discovered two drums of Premium Motor Spirit, camouflage uniforms and other supplies during the search. The Army said the recovered materials formed part of the items used to support the activities of the suspected groups.
Two Suspected Terrorists Killed During Follow-up Encounter
The military further disclosed that troops engaged suspected terrorists near Kukawa Village during another encounter connected to the wider security operations.
According to the Army, soldiers killed two suspected terrorists during the confrontation and recovered additional motorcycles from the area.
The development adds to the military’s reported activities across Mangu, Kanam and Wase, where security forces have continued operations against armed groups and suspected criminal networks.
The recovery of ammunition, communication equipment and motorcycles could also help investigators examine the movement and supply arrangements of the groups operating in the affected locations.
Army Pledges Continued Operations Across Plateau
The Nigerian Army said it would sustain its operations across the affected communities and continue working with other security agencies and local residents to address security threats.
The military’s latest announcement comes amid continued security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where attacks, kidnapping and other violent incidents have remained important issues for residents and authorities.
Although the Army has reported several arrests, recoveries and casualties from the operations, independent confirmation of all the military’s claims was not available at the time of reporting.
The arrested suspect is also expected to face further investigation as authorities examine the allegations surrounding the recovered weapon and ammunition.
For residents of Mangu, Kanam and Wase, the effectiveness of the operations will ultimately depend on whether security agencies can prevent armed groups from returning to the cleared locations and reduce further threats to surrounding communities.