Troops Eliminate Armed Militia Member, Recover 2 AK-47 Rifles in Mangu
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have neutralised an armed local militia member and recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles following a gun battle in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 9, after security forces responded to reports of suspicious movements and a suspected militia attack around Rangai and adjoining communities.
Sources said troops deployed at Maraban Kantoma received a distress call from local youth leaders at about 3:51 p.m. reporting the movement of unidentified persons through bushes linking Kantoma, Bwom and Jakatai communities.
The situation escalated shortly afterwards when reports emerged that armed militia members had attacked Rangai community in Mangu Halle District and were firing sporadically.
Troops stationed at the NYSC camp immediately mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers.
At about the same time, a joint clearance and show-of-force team operating under Operation RAINBOW and led by its coordinator was travelling from Mangun towards Jos when residents at Jakatai alerted the team to the unfolding security situation.
The team diverted towards Jakatai and moved to confront the suspected militia elements.
Sources said troops operating from the Kantoma axis subsequently came under heavy gunfire from the armed group, which was reportedly using locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw in disarray.
During the exchange, personnel of the joint clearance team reportedly neutralised one militia member inside Jakatai, while other members of the group fled in different directions.
Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles were recovered from the area—one from the neutralised suspect and another reportedly abandoned by fleeing attackers.
The body of the neutralised militia member was subsequently deposited at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary, while the security team continued its movement towards Jos without further attacks being reported.
The swift intervention by the troops at Rangai reportedly prevented the violence from spreading to neighbouring communities.
However, the incident was followed by a civil disturbance in Jakatai, where youths and women from the community, some reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, barricaded the Mangu-Jos Highway.
The action temporarily disrupted vehicular movement and led to a breakdown of law and order in the area.
In response, the Commander, Sector 8, directed troops to immediately reopen the highway and disperse the crowd. The troops also conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the Rangai general area.
The latest incident underscores the volatile security situation in parts of Plateau State, where armed groups continue to pose threats to communities and security personnel.
Security forces are expected to sustain patrols, clearance operations and engagement with community leaders in Mangu and adjoining areas to prevent further escalation and maintain peace.
By TimesNG