Army arrests militia suspect, recovers weapons in Plateau

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven have arrested a suspected militia member and recovered weapons during a clearance operation in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to military sources, the operation took place in the early hours of Friday, May 30, in Hura village, following actionable intelligence on the suspect’s location.

During the operation, the troops conducted a follow-up raid on the suspect’s hideout, where they recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 26 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, N2,500 in cash, and items believed to be charms.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect is linked to a criminal group responsible for the killing of a herder and the theft of 1,250 cows in Tomborong village, Riyom Local Government Area, on May 27.

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“The suspect is currently in custody and providing useful information to investigators regarding the identities and whereabouts of other syndicate members and their weapons,” a military source disclosed.

Security forces have since intensified efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining members of the group believed to be behind a series of violent incidents in the region.