The Nigerian Army says troops have apprehended 53 suspected criminals and extremist group members in Plateau State during coordinated operations carried out within the last 24 hours. According to operational reports made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), troops under Operations Ensuring Peace (OPEP) conducted targeted raids in Barkin Ladi and Jos North Local Government Areas.
The report said Sector 4 troops raided a suspected drug hideout in Angwan Yama and Kasua areas of Barkin Ladi, arresting nine suspects. Items recovered include quantities of suspected Cannabis sativa, mobile phones, power banks and other exhibits.
In a separate operation around 1:30 a.m., the report said Sector 1 troops, supported by the Special Forces and the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested 44 suspected members of the Sara Suka group across multiple communities in Jos North. Security forces also recovered “various dangerous weapons,” the report added. The army said troops also recovered four cattle reportedly stolen from Lugere community in Riyom LGA and returned them to their owner, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those behind the rustling.
The report further noted that troops responding to communal clashes and suspected militia attacks in Taraba and Benue states recovered two corpses and were investigating incidents of armed confrontation. It added that one civilian sustained gunshot injuries during an encounter in Guma LGA, Benue, and was evacuated for medical treatment. The army reaffirmed its commitment to proactive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, protecting civilians and maintaining law and order.
