Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected bandit attack in Manja community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, while also repelling an attack by suspected militias in Bassa LGA.
The first incident occurred at about 2:10 p.m. on Friday after troops received information about armed men moving from the mountain ranges towards Manja community.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the suspected bandits were reportedly dressed in black outfits and red berets and were moving with cattle.
Troops stationed at Manja Forest moved towards the area after receiving the report and established contact with the group.
The intervention reportedly forced the armed men to retreat into the bushes with their cattle.
Troops, working alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), continued to patrol and monitor the area to prevent further security breaches.
Troops Repel Militia Attack in Bassa
In a separate incident, troops of Sector 3 OPEP repelled an attack by suspected militias on Ariri community in Bassa LGA.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday after troops responded to a distress call from the community.
The intervention forced the attackers to flee, while troops subsequently conducted a search of the area.
During the operation, troops recovered the body of a man identified as Maianguwa Ishe.
Another victim, Joseph Ezekiel, was found with gunshot injuries sustained during the attack and was evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to Zagazola Makama, troops have launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers and are conducting fighting patrols around the area in an effort to track the assailants and prevent further attacks.
Source: Zagazola Makama.
