Troops Neutralise Bandits, Arrest Arms Courier in Plateau State

Troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have recorded major breakthroughs in their ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a military update, the operations are part of a sustained offensive to rid the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of criminal elements and restore lasting peace to troubled communities.

On 3 July 2025, troops conducted a clearance operation in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk communities, located along the Plateau–Nasarawa State border.

“During the mission, contact was made with armed militias in Hokk, leading to a brief but decisive firefight. Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests,” the statement read.

Following the encounter, troops conducted a thorough sweep of the area.

“Though no further contact was established, troops have maintained control through mobile and static patrols to disrupt any regrouping attempts,” the military disclosed.

In a separate development, around 5:45pm the same day, troops acting on credible intelligence apprehended a suspected gunrunner in Mangar, within Daffo District of Bokkos LGA.

“The individual, caught transporting arms and ammunition on a motorcycle, was intercepted at a snap checkpoint,” officials stated.

The suspect, along with the recovered arms and ammunition, is currently in custody as investigations continue.

“Follow-on operations are underway to track other members of the arms smuggling network,” the military confirmed.

The security forces reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing the spread of illicit arms in the region.

“These successful actions reaffirm the resolve of security forces to dismantle criminal syndicates and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.”