Troops nab cattle rustlers, recover weapons in Plateau raid

In a significant breakthrough in the fight against cattle rustling and insecurity in Plateau State, troops of the 3 Division and Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have arrested two notorious cattle rustlers during a raid at Kogul Village in Mangu Local Government Area.

The intelligence-led operation, carried out on 11 September 2025, also led to the recovery of weapons and other items linked to the suspects.

According to a statement by Samson Nantip Zhakom, a major and the Media Information Officer of JTF OPEP, made available to newsmen at the weekend in Jos says the operation targeted a known hideout of cattle rustlers operating in the Joint Operations Area, noting that the effort is part of broader measures to curb cattle rustling, which has been identified as a major trigger of communal violence in the region.

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“The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a fabricated revolver rifle, ten rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a mobile phone, and an undisclosed amount of cash. These items were seized from the suspects during the operation and are now in military custody for further investigation,” Zhakom said.

The suspects, whose identities were not disclosed, are believed to be part of a larger criminal syndicate involved in cattle rustling across Mangu and surrounding areas. Their arrest, the military says, is expected to aid in tracking down other members of the group.

Zhakom confirmed that troops have already begun follow-up operations in nearby communities to apprehend other individuals linked to the syndicate. He added that the military remains committed to restoring peace and stability in all crisis-prone areas under its responsibility.

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“This arrest is pivotal to the ongoing efforts to tackle the triggers of crisis. Troops of 3 Division/JTF OPEP are actively involved and have sworn to do all it takes to maintain peace in the Joint Operations Area,” the spokesperson added.

The Army called on residents to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information. They believe that community cooperation is key to permanently ending cattle rustling and other criminal activities.