Nigerian Army prevents reprisal attack over rustled livestock in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, have repelled suspected Fulani bandits during a rapid response operation following reports of sporadic gunfire around Banasu High Ground in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A statement post on its verified X handle on Friday said the incident occurred at about 1:52 p.m. on July 2, when troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, deployed at Gyambwas, received reports of intermittent shootings around the Banasu High Ground.

The Army said the planned attack was in response to previous attack on hardees and rustling of their livestock by Militia men in Mangu.

It added that acting swiftly on the distress report, the troops moved to the area and engaged the armed criminals in a firefight.

According to the statement, the superior firepower of the troops forced the assailants to abandon their mission and retreat towards the surrounding high ground.

*No casualties were reported among the troops during the encounter.

Troops have sustained surveillance and monitoring of the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent any further attacks.

“The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to prevent any armed militia activities and enhance security across Plateau State,” the statement said.