By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, have prevented a suspected bandit attack on Manja community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2:10pm on Friday after security personnel received information about the movement of armed men from the mountain ranges towards the community.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the suspects were dressed in black outfits and red berets and moved with cattle towards the community.
Troops stationed at Manja Forest responded to the report and advanced towards the area, where they made contact with the suspected bandits.
The encounter reportedly forced the armed men to retreat into the bushes with their cattle.
The troops, with support from members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, maintained a presence in the area and monitored the situation to forestall any further security breach.
Troops Repel Militia Attack In Bassa
In a separate incident, troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace, repelled an attack by suspected militias on Ariri community in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama reported that the incident occurred at about 11:30pm on Saturday after troops received a distress call and moved to the community.
The arrival of the troops forced the attackers to flee the area.
A subsequent search of the community led to the recovery of the body of a man identified as Maianguwa Ishe.
Another victim, identified as Joseph Ezekiel, was found with gunshot wounds sustained during the attack.
Ezekiel was evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The troops have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers. They are also conducting fighting patrols in the area as part of efforts to prevent further attacks and apprehend those responsible.