Plateau Attacks: Four Killed, Including Soldier, as Troops Repel Assaults, Neutralise Suspected Terrorist
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have repelled separate attacks by suspected armed groups in Plateau State, neutralising a suspected terrorist in a gun battle, while four people, including a Nigerian Army soldier, were killed and several others injured in attacks across Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
The incidents, which occurred between November 8 and 9, 2026, also left one other person dead and two women injured in separate attacks in Mangu and Barkin Ladi, as troops intensified security operations to track down the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
Security sources said the first incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on November 8, when suspected armed men attacked Lakkas village in Mangu Local Government Area, triggering sporadic gunfire in the community.
Troops of Sector 8, OPEP, swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw in disarray into nearby bushes.
During an exploitation of the area, the troops discovered the body of a victim identified as Gambo Dan Mangu, while another victim, identified as Mrs Joy, was found with gunshot wounds.
Mrs Joy was immediately evacuated to General Hospital, Mangu, for medical attention.
The troops also recovered eight expended cartridge cases of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition at the scene and subsequently launched a search of surrounding bushes in an effort to track down the fleeing attackers.
In another incident, suspected militias ambushed commuters along the road leading to Belsho community in Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area at about 7:26 p.m. on November 8.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on commuters along the route before fleeing the scene.
Troops of Sector 4, OPEP, deployed at Sho, swiftly responded to the distress report and discovered four people dead from gunshot wounds, while two others sustained injuries.
One of the deceased was identified as a serving Nigerian Army personnel who was reportedly returning to his location when he was caught in the ambush.
The two injured victims were evacuated to General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention.
Although some local residents reportedly attributed the attack to suspected Fulani militias, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the identities of the perpetrators have yet to be independently established.
Following the ambush, troops launched offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing assailants, while investigations continued to establish the motive and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2, OPEP, on November 9, neutralised a suspected terrorist during an encounter with armed men riding motorcycles along the Wanka axis of Kanam Local Government Area.
Security sources said the encounter occurred at about 5:30 p.m. when troops manning a blocking position sighted an unconfirmed number of suspected armed men approaching on several motorcycles.
The troops immediately engaged the group with superior firepower, forcing the armed men to retreat in disarray.
During the exchange, one suspected terrorist was neutralised, while other members of the group escaped, abandoning four Honda motorcycles and other items.
Items recovered from the scene included two mobile phones, one packet of cigarettes and seven tablets of Tramadol.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for investigation to establish possible links to the suspected criminal network.
The latest incidents underscore the persistent security challenges across parts of Plateau State, particularly in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Kanam, as security forces sustain operations to disrupt armed groups, protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
Troops have continued patrols, search operations and manhunts across the affected areas to track down fleeing assailants and restore security.
