SAA event in Nigeria on Wed 8th April 2026

On April 8, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) foiled an attack on commuters along the Razat–Kafi Abu road in Barkin Ladi LGA, where one civilian was killed and two others injured. Later the same day, troops repelled a militia attack along the same axis and conducted a cordon-and-search operation in Suma Suga Takwok, recovering two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. In Riyom LGA, one civilian was killed in an ambush along the Dagbam bridge axis on the GOL–HOSS–Bwei road, while two others escaped unhurt. Troops also foiled an attack on Jol community on April 7, forcing the assailants to retreat without casualties. Similarly, troops rescued one victim and recovered ammunition following an earlier attack in Dum village, Bachi District, where another victim was found dead. Security operatives also intercepted 16 stray cattle grazing on farmland in Tahoss community, an incident linked to recurring disputes between farmers and herders. The pattern of violence reflects a sustained cycle of reprisals between farming communities and pastoral groups. On April 5, a Fulani herder, identified as Abubakar Hababe (40), was found dead in Riyom LGA in what sources described as a reprisal attack. The killing by suspected Berom Militia was reportedly linked to earlier incidents, including the attack on an illegal mining site in Gyel village where three miners were killed. Other incidents include the discovery of the body of a 30-year-old herder, Shafiyu, in Jos South LGA, and the killing of a Fulani boy, Abdullahi Mohammed, in Mangu LGA. Tensions were escalated since March 28, after the assassination of a Fulani leader, Alhaji Bilyaminu Julde, the Ardo of Gindiri in Barkin Ladi LGA. Security reports also identified repeated destruction of farmlands and cattle rustling, further aggravating hostilities between communities. Authorities said troops and other security agencies have intensified patrols, surveillance, and community engagements across affected LGAs to prevent further escalation. “Operations are ongoing to dominate the general areas, dismantle criminal networks, and restore normalcy,” a security source said. The developments illustrate the complexity of the security situation in Plateau, where counter-terrorism operations intersect with long-standing communal tensions, making sustained peace efforts increasingly challenging. Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm, avoid reprisals, and provide credible information to support ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace in the state.