Army nabs 53 suspected criminals, extremists in Plateau

2026-03-20 - 19:14

The Nigerian Army says it has in the last 24 hours apprehended 53 suspected criminals and extremist group members during coordinated operations in Plateau. According to operational reports made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), troops of the Operations Ensuring Peace (OPEP) conducted targeted raids in Barkin Ladi and Jos North Local Government Areas. The report stated that troops of Sector 4 OPEP raided a suspected drug hideout in Angwan Yama and Kasua, Barkin Ladi, arresting nine suspects in possession of quantities of suspected Cannabis sativa, mobile phones, power banks, and other items. “In a separate raid around 0130 hours, troops of Sector 1, supported by the Special Forces and the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested 44 suspected members of the Sara Suka group across multiple communities in Jos North, recovering various dangerous weapons,” he said. The report also stated that troops recovered four cattle stolen from Lugere Community, Riyom Local Government Area, and returned them to their owner, adding that efforts were on to apprehend the rustlers. It added that troops responding to communal clashes and suspected militia attacks in Taraba and Benue states recovered two corpses and investigated incidents of armed confrontation. “One civilian sustained gunshot injuries during an encounter in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention. The report reaffirmed the army’s commitment to proactive operations to dismantle criminal and extremist networks, protect civilians, and uphold law and order across the country. (NAN)