Army deploys 178 troops to Plateau’s Mangu amid rising tension

The Nigerian Army has deployed 178 personnel from the 236 Tank Battalion to Headquarters Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The deployment, carried out at about 4:40pm on September 25, 2026, is part of the Army’s recent restructuring aimed at strengthening security operations.

The first batch made up of two groups of 89 personnel each, was led by the Commanding Officer of 236 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. H.O. Obire.

The troops were received at the sector headquarters by the Commander, Sector 8 OPEP, after their arrival.

According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the newly deployed personnel immediately began familiarisation with the sector’s Area of Responsibility and operational mandate.

The deployment comes amid heightened security concerns in Mangu and neighbouring communities, where a number of attacks, killings, livestock destruction and reprisal incidents have been reported in recent weeks.

“The additional personnel are expected to increase troop presence in vulnerable areas and strengthen the sector’s capacity to respond to emerging security threats,” the source added.

The troops are also expected to work with other security and emergency response agencies in the area to protect civilians, prevent further attacks and maintain security across communities within the sector’s Area of Responsibility.