Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army under Operation ENDURING PEACE have foiled an attempted militia attack on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation led to the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect and the recovery of an assault rifle and ammunition.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 4, 2025, by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the suspect, identified as Umar Yakubu, was apprehended while mobilising for an attack. He 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 of Plateau State,” the statement read.
The military disclosed that during the operation, troops laid ambush at Kaskra in Ropp District where they intercepted the armed militia.
“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 statement added.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to provide intelligence for further operations. According to the military, ongoing clearance operations are being conducted to track down other militias and recover more weapons before attacks can be launched.
Major Zhakom reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties across Plateau State.
“The Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE remain committed to the task of maintaining peace and security within its Joint Operations Area, and as such will work tirelessly to ensure the mandate is achieved,” he said.
The latest arrest comes amid heightened concerns over recurring militia violence in Plateau State, which has witnessed several attacks on vulnerable communities in recent months.
