By Safiyat Muhammed | The Bureau News | Nigeria News Today
Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have arrested two notorious cattle rustlers in Kogul Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering dangerous weapons and ammunition in the process.
The operation, which was carried out on 11 September 2025, followed actionable intelligence that led security operatives to the hideout of the suspects.
Items Recovered from Suspects:
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One AK-47 rifle
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One AK-47 magazine
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One fabricated revolver rifle
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Ten rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition
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One mobile phone
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Cash
The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation, while follow-up operations are underway to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army said the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat cattle rustling, which has been a major trigger of violent conflicts in Plateau and other parts of the Middle Belt.
“This arrest is pivotal to the ongoing efforts to tackle the triggers of crisis, which troops of 3 Division/JTF OPEP are actively involved in. Our mandate remains restoring peace and stability across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement read.
The development is expected to boost confidence among rural communities in Plateau, who have long suffered from the activities of cattle rustlers and other criminal elements.
