The Nigerian Army said troops of Operation Safe Haven have intercepted a gang of criminally minded youths causing mayhem in the Kereng Mangu area of Plateau State.
The military authorities strongly condemned the violent attacks and destruction of properties.
In a statement by Capt Oya James, the Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, he noted that the suspected youths destroyed and looted properties, just as they also attacked an airforce operative enforcing the 24-hour curfew in Kerang Mangu, Plateau State.
The statement said the troops apprehended the perpetrators and seized a cache of dangerous weapons used in the attack.
It added that during the subsequent operation to apprehend the attackers, the military successfully recovered a significant arsenal of weapons, adding that the seized items include one AK-47 rifle, four locally fabricated automatic rifles, one locally made mortar bomb launcher, seven empty shells of 7.62mm, one empty shell of a cartridge, one pistol magazine, 36 Boris, three rounds of 7.62mm, and seven rounds of 9x19mm.
“We are committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the peace and security of the region.
“We urge the peace loving people of Kerang and all citizens to refrain from engaging in acts of violence and to respect the authority of the state. The imposition of the 24-hour curfew was a necessary measure to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and it is essential that it be adhered to for the collective well-being of the community,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Army assured the people of Plateau State that every effort will be made to ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens.