Troops neutralise militia member in Plateau, recover two local rifles
Militia Member Killed in Plateau State Armed Clash
MANGU, Plateau State — Troops from Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) neutralized an armed militia member and seized two locally made AK-47 rifles following heavy gunfire in Mangu Local Government Area on Sunday afternoon.
The altercation began around 3:51 p.m. when local youth leaders reported suspicious activity in the bushes near the Kantoma, Bwom, and Jakatai communities. Shortly thereafter, armed militia men launched an attack on the Rangai community in Mangu Halle District.
Troops stationed at the NYSC camp promptly responded to the distress call. At the same time, a joint clearance and show-of-force team operating under Operation RAINBOW was en route from Mangun to Jos when residents of Jakatai alerted them about the escalating security situation. The team redirected towards Jakatai and engaged the armed individuals while the Kantoma troops encountered significant gunfire.
In the ensuing skirmish, one militia member was killed in Jakatai, while others fled the scene. The soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles: one from the deceased suspect and another left behind by an escaping attacker.
“The troops acted swiftly to the distress call and engaged the armed group, preventing the violence from spreading to surrounding areas,” a security source reported. The body of the neutralized member was transported to the Barkin Ladi General Hospital morgue as the security team proceeded towards Jos.
However, unrest erupted in Jakatai shortly after the clash, with local youths and women blocking the Mangu-Jos Highway, disrupting traffic and public order. In response, the commander of Sector 8 ordered troops to clear the road and disperse the protesters, while also conducting an assessment of the Rangai area.
“The immediate priority was to restore traffic flow and prevent further escalation,” the security source added.
This incident has brought to light the ongoing security challenges in various parts of Plateau State, particularly where armed groups continue to pose threats to local communities and security personnel.
