Troops Neutralise Bandits, Intercept Arms Courier in Plateau State

Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven have recorded major gains in their ongoing clearance operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, neutralising armed bandits and intercepting a suspected arms courier.

The operation, which is part of Operation Lafiyan Jama’a, saw troops advance into the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk communities near the Plateau–Nasarawa State border on Wednesday, 3 July 2025. A firefight broke out during contact with armed militias in Hokk, resulting in the neutralisation of several bandits. Others reportedly fled into nearby forests.

Following the encounter, the troops carried out a thorough search of the area and have since maintained a strong presence through mobile and static patrols to forestall any regrouping by the criminal elements.

Later the same day, at about 5:45 p.m., troops on a separate mission intercepted a suspected gunrunner in Mangar, Daffo District of Bokkos LGA. The suspect, who was transporting arms and ammunition on a motorcycle, was apprehended at a snap checkpoint following actionable intelligence.

The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover the wider network of the arms-smuggling operation.

Military authorities say the operations are part of sustained efforts to eliminate criminal elements and prevent the proliferation of illegal weapons in the Joint Operations Area.