Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have thwarted an alleged cattle-rustling operation along the Jong-Nyerwei road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, forcing the suspected attackers to flee.
The incident occurred at about 3:23 p.m. on September 1, when troops of Sector 4, OPEP, responded swiftly to reports of sporadic gunshots along the route.
Military sources said the intervention disrupted the suspects’ attempt to drive away five cattle reportedly belonging to a local resident, Mr Yakubu Umar.
The suspected rustlers, identified by the sources as members of a Berom militia, reportedly abandoned the operation and escaped into nearby hills and surrounding areas as the troops moved in.
Following the failed attempt, the troops immediately launched a manhunt, conducting offensive operations across the surrounding hills and difficult terrain in a bid to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The latest operation underscores the military’s continued efforts to tackle cattle rustling and other criminal activities capable of threatening peace and security in Plateau communities.
Operation ENDURING PEACE has intensified patrols and security operations across vulnerable areas of the state, with troops working to protect residents, farmers and livestock owners from attacks and criminal activities.
Security authorities have also maintained that swift military intervention remains crucial in preventing isolated incidents from escalating into wider communal or security crises.
The ongoing search operation is expected to continue until the fleeing suspects are tracked down and brought to justice.
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