The police in Plateau State have arrested a key suspect allegedly linked to the deadly attack on Bimper village in Mangu Local Government Area, as the Nigerian Army relocates its tactical command to the area to lead a fresh security operation.
Twenty-five people were killed and four others injured in the early morning attack on Kombun District on Tuesday, according to the latest figures.
The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the arrest to Channels Television, saying the suspect in custody is believed to be the mastermind of the attack.
Alabo added that investigations were ongoing, while security operatives were also searching for other suspects who fled the scene.
The attack was the third reported incident in Mangu within a week. Local sources said one person was shot during an earlier attack in the area.
The latest violence has increased anxiety among residents, who have renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect communities and prevent further attacks.
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As the police intensify their investigation, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangana, has relocated his tactical office to Mangu for two weeks.
The move is part of Operation Hard Nut, a military operation launched to flush out terrorists and other criminal elements and restore normalcy following the attack on Bi Mper community.
Dangana announced the relocation while addressing troops at the Mangu Local Government Council headquarters during a show of force shortly after the attack.
He directed the troops to remain professional and neutral while carrying out their duties and assured residents that the Army would step up operations across Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
The GOC said the operation would target terrorists and other criminal elements operating in and around Mangu, while also seeking to rebuild residents’ confidence after repeated attacks.
Dangana disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff had approved additional troops and equipment for the operation, saying the reinforcement would boost the military’s ability to confront the attackers.
He said his decision to move his tactical office to Mangu was intended to ensure direct supervision of the operation and improve the military’s response to threats in the area.
The Army chief also appealed to residents to provide security agencies with credible information that could help troops identify and neutralise terrorists and other criminals operating in the local government.
The combined police and military response comes amid growing concerns over repeated attacks in Mangu, with security agencies under increasing pressure to protect vulnerable communities and restore stability.