ARMY APPREHENDS THREE SUSPECTS AND RECOVERS 84 STOLEN CATTLE IN PLATEAU STATE

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested three suspected Berom militia members and recovered 84 stolen cattle following an attack on Fulani herders in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

This was disclosed in a post on X by security analyst and Lake Chad region counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama.

According to security sources, troops of Sector 6 stationed at Dokku responded around 5:00 p.m. on April 22 after receiving reports of cattle rustling behind Makera Market.

On arrival, the troops carried out a search-and-rescue operation and traced the stolen livestock to a riverine area.

Security sources said all 84 cattle were successfully recovered and handed back to their rightful owner.

Three individuals suspected to be linked to the incident were also arrested and are currently in military custody for further investigation.

The incident comes amid rising concerns over cattle rustling, livestock attacks, and retaliatory violence, which have continued to heighten tensions across communities in Plateau State.

Cases of livestock theft and assaults on pastoralists have been identified as major factors driving the prolonged crisis in areas such as Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and Riyom.

Security officials note that these activities often spark cycles of reprisal attacks, further complicating peacebuilding efforts in the state.