Troops Restore Normalcy After Drivers Block Highway, Vandalise Government Property in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have restored normalcy along a highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State after angry drivers reportedly blocked the road following a clash with security and quarantine agencies.

A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:00 p.m. on August 11, 2026, when troops responded to a report of a highway blockage involving J5 drivers and personnel of Keystone and quarantine agencies deployed at the Riyom Local Government Secretariat.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered that the aggrieved drivers were vandalising government property in protest over the earlier disagreement.

The troops intervened and successfully brought the situation under control, preventing further destruction of property.

The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was subsequently contacted, leading to the resolution of the dispute.

The affected traffic corridor was cleared and normal vehicular movement restored in the area.

The intervention prevented the situation from escalating and ensured the protection of government infrastructure and public safety.

Troops Restore Normalcy After Drivers Block Highway, Vandalise Government Property in Plateau

Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Abductors in Kogi

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have rescued nine kidnapped commuters following an attack by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on August 11, 2026, when the suspected kidnappers attacked commuters travelling along the busy route and abducted an unspecified number of passengers.

Troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident.

A military source told Zagazola Makama that the troops arrived at the location and found a Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned, with their passengers missing.

The troops subsequently exploited the withdrawal route used by the kidnappers and tracked them towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

The troops eventually made contact with the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.

Unable to withstand the troops’ firepower, the criminals were forced to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding area.

The troops successfully rescued nine victims, comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four men and one infant.

The rescued victims were handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and support.

Military sources said efforts are continuing to track the fleeing kidnappers and rescue other victims who may still be in captivity.

Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Abductors in Kogi

Troops Foil Armed Herders’ Attack, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Benue

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders at Azege Village, Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The troops responded to a distress call on August 10, 2026, reporting an attack on the Azege community and swiftly mobilised to the area.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that the troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival and engaged them in a gunfight.

The assailants were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and fled in disarray.

The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing attackers and discovered one of the suspected armed herders neutralised during the encounter.

Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one Nokia mobile phone.

The recovered items have been secured, while the remains of the neutralised assailant were evacuated by the police.

Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the group who fled the area.

The Joint Task Force has commended the troops for their tactical resilience and praised the police for their cooperation during the operation.

Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

Troops Foil Armed Herders’ Attack, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Benue