Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have reportedly foiled attacks on farming communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State after engaging armed groups in separate encounters.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, troops were deployed to the area at about 7am on August 11 following intelligence on the movement of an armed group from Barkin Ladi LGA towards communities in Mangu.
The report said the armed group was allegedly heading towards Gwomgada, Dorong and Kaduno communities in Langai District of Mangu LGA.
Troops reportedly made contact with the group around Makera and Kaduno communities, resulting in a firefight.
“The engagement forced the militias to withdraw towards the general area of Jos East Local Government Area,” Makama reported.
He added that troops were pursuing the fleeing group to prevent them from regrouping and launching further attacks on communities.
A detachment of special forces was also reportedly deployed from the headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace to reinforce troops operating in the area.
In a separate incident, troops reportedly repelled an attack by suspected armed militias while responding to reports of farmland destruction at Manja Forest in Mangu LGA.
The incident was said to have occurred at about 12:45pm on August 11 after reports that armed herders suspected to be Fulani militias were destroying farmlands in the area.
According to the publication, troops quickly mobilised to the location and engaged the armed group.
“A firefight ensued, during which the troops employed superior firepower and forced the militias to withdraw in disarray,” Makama reported.
Following the encounter, the troops reportedly maintained control of the area to prevent the attackers from regrouping or launching further attacks against farmers and other residents.
The troops also engaged community leaders and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), urging them to sustain neighbourhood watch activities and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
Makama said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to protect farming communities, prevent attacks and maintain security across vulnerable areas of Plateau State.
Further details of the operations are expected as troops continue efforts to contain the security threats and secure affected communities.
