Troops intercept militia mobilised for attack on Plateau communities, recover weapon and ammunition

Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army under Operation ENDURING PEACE, have intercepted an armed militia mobilised for an attack on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

Media Information Officer, JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, September 4, 2025, said the suspect identified as Umar Yakubu, 20, was found in possession of one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. 

“As part of renewed determination to end the needless attacks on innocent civilians and communities within the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) on 4 September 2025 responded to a distress call on the movement of militias to attack communities in Fann District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State,” the statement read.

“During the operation, troops laid ambush and intercepted an armed militia at Kaskra in Ropp District in Barkin Ladi LGA of the State. The militia was arrested in possession of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 11 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested militia was mobilised from a nearby community to launch attacks on communities under Nding Village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.

“The suspect is in custody undergoing interrogation for information to aid follow-up operations. Meanwhile, troops are conducting operations to intercept other militias mobilised