Troops under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested nine suspected militia members linked to targeted killings in Plateau State.
The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Saturday during a coordinated operation in Riyom Local Government Area.
Acting on intelligence reports of suspicious movements toward the Danwal axis, troops stationed in Ganawuri intercepted the group at about 1:35 a.m.
Security sources said the suspects were found with visible blood stains, raising strong suspicions of recent involvement in violent attacks.
Those arrested are Gyang Dantoro, Samson Davou, Choji Yakubu, Vincent Adamu, Pam Dalyop, Femi Badung, Jacob Musa, and Choji Chaga—residents of Danwal and reportedly of Berom origin.
Weapons and items recovered from the group include three motorcycles, a pistol, a submachine gun, a locally made revolver rifle, a fabricated rifle, and 20 rounds of ammunition.
The arrests come against the backdrop of recurring violence across several parts of Plateau, including Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and surrounding communities.
The region has experienced a cycle of attacks and reprisals, often involving armed groups from within local communities.
Reports indicate a troubling pattern of clashes between armed Berom groups and suspected Fulani bandits, contributing to rising casualties and displacement.
On April 13, troops conducted a search-and-rescue mission in Bassa Local Government Area, recovering the body of a missing herder along with livestock.
On the same day, four suspected illegal migrants were arrested in another operation in Riyom.
Clashes between farmers and herders have also intensified in Rakum village, troops intervened after violence left multiple people injured, including a police officer.
Recent attacks underscore the volatility of the region. On April 9, suspected bandits attacked Mbwelle village in Bokkos, killing eight residents.
In a separate military offensive under Operation Wutan Daji, troops neutralised 13 suspected bandits in Wase and Kanam areas.
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Other incidents include ambushes on commuters, targeted killings of herders, and retaliatory violence against farming communities.
The killing of a Fulani leader, Alhaji Bilyaminu Julde, in late March further heightened tensions.
Sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and arrests are part of broader efforts to stabilise Plateau’s conflict-prone areas.
Troops have also engaged armed groups in direct confrontations, with several suspects reportedly killed in gun battles in recent weeks.
The military stated that the nine suspects currently in custody are said to be providing useful intelligence on recent attacks, which officials believe could help dismantle networks behind the violence.
The military maintains that restoring peace in Plateau will require continued security pressure alongside community cooperation, as cycles of reprisal attacks remain a major challenge.