Army Recovers AK-47 Rifles, Ammunition in Plateau

Nigerian Army troops have recovered several firearms and ammunition during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following intelligence of a planned attack on Mwar Community. The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated AK-47, a locally fabricated revolver rifle, two Dane guns and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Daniel Momodu · August 20, 2026 · 36

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered several firearms and ammunition during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The troops, operating under Sector 8 of Operation Enduring Peace as part of Operation Hard Knock, launched the operation following credible intelligence of a planned attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom.

The Army said the intelligence received on August 19 indicated an imminent threat by suspected bandit militias.

It said preliminary findings suggested that the planned attack might have been linked to the reported rustling of an unconfirmed number of cattle allegedly by some youths from the community.

Following the intelligence, troops were deployed to conduct a fighting patrol and raid suspected locations, with the aim of recovering the missing cattle and apprehending those responsible.

The Army said troops deployed drones and other surveillance equipment to search surrounding settlements and bush locations for the cattle, but found no trace of the animals.

Intelligence reportedly identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators.

Acting on the information, troops conducted a snap raid on Stanley’s residence, although he was not present at the time.

The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver rifle, two Dane guns and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The Army said troops, working with the police and other relevant security agencies, were continuing offensive operations and targeted searches around locations linked to other identified suspects.

It said the operations were aimed at recovering the missing cattle, locating additional arms caches and apprehending those responsible.

The Army urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities to security agencies.

It reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the proliferation of illegal arms, protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining peace and security across Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.