Troops Arrest Three Suspected Militia, Recover 84 Rustled Cattle in Plateau Crackdown

A swift military response in Plateau State has led to the arrest of three suspected militia members and the recovery of 84 rustled cattle, in what security officials describe as a targeted intervention to contain rising tensions in Riyom.

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation ENDURING PEACE carried out the operation after receiving intelligence about an attack on Fulani pastoralists near Makera market.

According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the troops, attached to Sector 6 in Dokku, responded around 5:00 p.m. on April 22 and immediately launched a search-and-rescue mission.

The operation traced the movement of the stolen livestock to a riverine area, where all 84 cattle were recovered intact and returned to their owner. Three suspects believed to be linked to the attack were arrested at the scene and are currently in military custody for further interrogation.

The incident highlights a recurring pattern in Plateau’s security landscape, where cattle rustling and attacks on pastoral communities frequently trigger retaliatory violence. These cycles have made areas like Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu flashpoints for prolonged conflict.

Security analysts warn that while recoveries like this may provide temporary relief, they do little to address the deeper drivers of the crisis—competition over land, weak local enforcement, and entrenched mistrust between communities.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are part of a wider network, as efforts continue to stabilise the region and prevent further escalation.