Locals’ Cattle Rustling Sparks Ongoing Crisis in Plateau State, Says Nigerian Military

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has identified cattle rustling as the primary cause of the religious crisis unfolding in Mangu area, Plateau State. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a bi-weekly media briefing with journalists.

According to Gen. Buba, the conflict escalated when a Wagungun man collided with cattle while riding his motorbike on January 22, resulting in a fatal confrontation between herders militias and the victim. This incident triggered a breakdown of law and order in Mangu town and its surroundings.

During the review period, Operation Safe Haven, the military intervention in the region, successfully detained suspected violent extremists and thwarted a Fulani militia attack in Plateau State’s Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas (LGAs). Troops also conducted raids, preventing kidnappings in Kaduna’s Sanga, Jema’a, and Kauru LGAs, along with Plateau’s Riyom LGA.

Gen. Buba highlighted successful operations, including the apprehension of suspected violent extremists and a Fulani militia gang boss in Plateau State’s Mangu and Wase LGAs. He reported that on January 18, 2024, troops seized five AK-47 rifles and two motorcycles during a sting operation in Mangu LGA.

The military’s response extended to Bokkos LGA, where they engaged armed Fulani militias in a firefight, resulting in the death of ten rebels. Substantial weaponry, including ten AK-47s, 210 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, five mobile phones, and 29 rounds of PKT ammunition, was recovered.

Despite coordinated efforts by stationed troops, the situation persisted, spreading from Gangaran Kwata to other parts of Mangu LGA. Gen. Buba announced the deployment of special troops to hotspots for targeted operations, emphasizing the military’s commitment to restoring order.

Gen. Buba concluded by sharing broader operations in neighboring states such as Niger, Nasarawa, and Akwanga, demonstrating the military’s proactive stance. For the week under review, the Nigerian Army made significant apprehensions, including 94 individuals and 43 oil thieves. Additionally, 168 weapons, 2,757 rounds of ammunition, and various other items were recovered.

The military high command encourages conflicting parties to cease hostilities while assuring enhanced intelligence and strike capabilities to address the ongoing crisis.