Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 53 suspected criminals and members of extremist groups during coordinated security operations in Plateau State.
According to operational reports, the arrests were carried out within a 24-hour period under Operation Ensuring Peace in Barkin Ladi and Jos North Local Government Areas.
In one operation, troops from Sector 4 raided suspected drug hideouts in Angwan Yama and Kasua, located in Barkin Ladi. During the raid, nine suspects were arrested, and items including suspected cannabis, mobile phones, and power banks were recovered.
In a separate early-morning operation, troops from Sector 1, working alongside Special Forces and the Department of State Services, arrested 44 suspected members of the Sara Suka group across several communities in Jos North. Weapons were also recovered during the operation.
The report further stated that soldiers recovered four cattle that had been stolen from a community in Riyom Local Government Area and returned them to their owner, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
In related operations, troops responding to communal clashes and suspected militia activities in Taraba and Benue states recovered two bodies during investigations. In Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, one civilian sustained gunshot injuries during an encounter and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The army reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, protecting civilians, and maintaining law and order.
In a separate development, troops of the 6 Brigade under Operation Whirl Stroke arrested two suspected gunrunners in Taraba State. The suspects were apprehended during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Wukari–Ikyaior Road, with 444 rounds of ammunition recovered from them.
