Troops Neutralise Suspected Bandit, Recover Rustled Livestock in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have neutralised a suspected bandit during a clearance operation targeting livestock rustlers in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The development was disclosed in a post shared on X by counter-insurgency and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of armed livestock rustlers operating around the Gero high grounds in Jos South.

According to Makama, the operation commenced at about 7:00 a.m. on June 26 after security forces received reports indicating that suspected criminals were using the area to graze rustled cattle.

During the operation, troops reportedly intercepted a herd of cattle allegedly grazing on cultivated farmland.

Shortly after the interception, the security personnel came under sporadic gunfire from suspected militia members believed to be protecting the rustled livestock.

The troops responded by taking defensive positions and immediately requested reinforcements to prevent the attackers from overwhelming the initial patrol team.

Additional troops from Sector 3 at Rafin Bauna, alongside other reinforcements led by the Commander of Sector 6, were swiftly deployed to the location and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During the confrontation, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while several others escaped into nearby bushes.

Following the firefight, troops conducted a search of the surrounding area and recovered two mobile phones and the sum of N14,000, which were believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location, where they will undergo the necessary documentation and verification procedures before further action is taken.

Military authorities have since intensified clearance operations and domination patrols across the area to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements and strengthen security within vulnerable communities.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb livestock rustling, banditry and other criminal activities affecting parts of Plateau State.

Security agencies have continued to encourage residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations against armed groups.

The latest success underscores the military’s commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of movement while protecting lives, property and legitimate economic activities across Plateau State and neighbouring communities.