Crime
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
In the fight against the hydra-headed menace of banditry, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major breakthrough in Plateau, neutralising a notorious gunrunner and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
The feat, achieved between Sept. 4 and 6, highlights the military’s growing resolve to dismantle the criminal logistics networks that have long sustained armed violence in the North-Central.
The gunrunner, described as a “high-value target” by security sources, had allegedly played a critical role in supplying bandits with rifles, magazines, and other logistics across Plateau and neighbouring states.
His neutralisation, officials say, has dealt a heavy blow to the illicit supply chain that has prolonged insecurity in the region.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that credible intelligence led troops to track the suspect to a hideout where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds on Sept. 4. He was swiftly apprehended and later confessed to his role as a logistics supplier, even agreeing to lead troops to his arms cache.
Two days later, on Sept. 6, troops launched a follow-up operation at the identified hideout. The mission, however, was anything but routine. As troops closed in, they came under heavy fire from the suspect’s gang members, resulting in a fierce exchange.
In the chaos, the gunrunner attempted to escape but was neutralised by the troops’ superior firepower. His cohorts, badly shaken by the encounter, fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
The troops subsequently combed the area, uncovering the concealed weapons: two AK-47 rifles and two magazines, which are now in custody.
The recovery, though modest in numbers, represents something bigger in the larger security equation: the deliberate targeting of supply chains that keep bandits armed and emboldened.
The bandit gangs rely not only on local recruits but also on a shadowy network of financiers, informants, and arms dealers. By dismantling this network, the military is effectively cutting off the oxygen that sustains criminal groups.
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a suspected motorcycle thief and recovered a stolen motorcycle during a stop-and-search operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Media Network gathered that the suspect, identified as Hosiah Alfred, was arrested at the Sabon Gari checkpoint in Mangu at about 5:50 a.m. on August 24, 2026.
The troops, operating under Operation HARD KNOCK, intercepted Alfred while he was travelling in a commercial vehicle reportedly en route to Duklin in Bauchi State from Abuja.
According to security sources, the troops became suspicious of the motorcycle in his possession and subjected him to questioning.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the motorcycle from a dispatch rider identified as Yusuf Gideon, who works for one Mr. Nonso in Abuja.
The suspect and the recovered motorcycle are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.
Security authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, trace the rightful owner of the motorcycle and determine whether the suspect is linked to other criminal activities.
The development highlights the continued security checks being conducted along major routes in Plateau State to detect and prevent the movement of suspected criminals and stolen property.
Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have arrested three suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a suspected drug hideout in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 11:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, raided a suspected drug peddling hideout known as “Downstairs/Upstairs” at Mista Ali.
During the operation, the troops arrested three suspects and recovered quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the Keystone Outpost, Mista Ali, for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt illicit drug activities and other criminal networks capable of undermining security in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
Troops Intervene After Farm Destruction, Assault of Herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intervened in separate incidents involving alleged destruction of farmlands and the assault of a herder in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incidents occurred on Sunday, August 23, 2026, around the Kwi general area of the local government.
According to a security source, troops responded to a report of cattle destroying farmlands in the area and, upon arrival, discovered an injured herder who had allegedly been assaulted by some Berom youths.
The troops immediately brought the situation under control and evacuated the injured herder to a hospital for medical attention.
In a related development, troops also responded to reports of the destruction of multiple farmlands around Kwi, including the Bok and Gura areas.
On arrival, the troops reportedly found a herd of cattle grazing on the farmlands, while the herder fled after sighting the security personnel.
The livestock were subsequently moved to the troops’ location to allow for an amicable resolution of the dispute and prevent further escalation between farmers and herders.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to prevent farmer-herder disputes from escalating into violence and maintain peace in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Security personnel are maintaining surveillance in the affected areas while efforts continue to ensure peaceful resolution of the incidents.
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