Troops Arrest Two Herders During Search for Weapons Carted Away in Plateau Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two herders during a raid operation in Gongoro Fulani settlement, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as part of efforts to recover weapons stolen during the October 31 attack on troops at Ungwan Boka checkpoint in Plateau State.
Security sources said the operation commenced at about 8:00 a.m. on November 1, 2026, following credible intelligence on the withdrawal route of the assailants who attacked the checkpoint.
The sources said troops of Sector 6, in conjunction with a special operations team from Headquarters OPEP, an EIB Stratoc team and vigilantes, moved into the settlement to search for the stolen weapons.
Upon arrival, the troops reportedly found the Gongoro Fulani settlement completely abandoned, with residents having evacuated their properties.
During the subsequent search towards suspected hideouts within the area, the troops arrested two herders identified as Musa Saidu, 35, and Ahmadu Saidu, 20.
One motorcycle was also confiscated during the operation.
The two suspects reportedly claimed they had been in the area for about two weeks and were not residents of the settlement but were travelling with their herds towards Bauchi State.
They are currently being held at Sector 6 Headquarters in Makera for interrogation.
The troops also searched an adjoining settlement, which was reportedly occupied by women and children, but found nothing unusual during the operation.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to recover the weapons carted away by the attackers and establish the circumstances surrounding the October 31 assault.
The operation forms part of intensified efforts by OPEP to track down those responsible for the attack on troops and strengthen security across the affected areas.
The arrest of the two herders does not establish their involvement in the checkpoint attack, and investigations are ongoing.
