Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered AK-47 rifles and other weapons in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State during an operation to foil a planned attack.*
The operation was carried out on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, by troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, under Operation HARD KNOCK, following credible intelligence on an imminent threat to Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom.
A statement said the planned attack was allegedly linked to the reported rustling of cattle by some youths from the community.
On receiving the intelligence, troops deployed to conduct fighting patrols and raid suspected locations, with the aim of recovering the missing cattle and apprehending those responsible.
The Army said drones and other surveillance equipment were used to search surrounding settlements and bush areas. Although no cattle were found, intelligence identified Pantong Stanley and other youths as suspects.
Troops subsequently raided the residence of Pantong Stanley, who was not at home during the operation. Items recovered included 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 statement added that troops, in conjunction with the Police and other security agencies, are sustaining offensive operations and targeted searches to recover the missing cattle, locate additional arms caches and arrest those responsible.
Operation ENDURING PEACE urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in preventing the proliferation of illegal arms, protecting vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements the freedom to undermine peace and security in Plateau State and the wider North Central region,” the statement said.
