SAA event in Nigeria on Sat 18th April 2026

Troops arrest 9 suspected Berom militia responsible for targeted killings, recover arms and ammunition in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested nine suspected Berom militia members responsible for targeted killings, and recovered arms and ammunition following an operation in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid ongoing security concerns linked to recurring attacks and cycles of violence in the area.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that  the suspects were arrested at about 0135 hours on April 18, 2026, when troops deployed at Ganawuri responded to reports of suspected criminal movement towards the Danwal general area.

The troops intercepted and apprehended the suspects, who were found with blood stains on their bodies, raising suspicion of recent involvement in silent killings. 

Those arrested were identified as Mr. Gyang Dantoro, Mr. Samson Davou, Mr. Choji Yakubu, Mr. Vincent Adamu, Mr. Pam Dalyop, Mr. Femi Badung, Mr. Jacob Musa and Mr. Choji Chaga, all residents of Danwal and reportedly of Berom extraction.

Items recovered from them include three motorcycles, one pistol, one submachine gun, one locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and one locally fabricated rifle, among other items. 

The arrest comes against the backdrop of sustained insecurity in parts of Plateau State, where communities in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and surrounding areas have witnessed repeated incidents of violent attacks and reprisals. Across this flashpoints, the patterns have consistent which suggest that perpetrators of violence are not faceless outsiders operating in isolation. 

Sources said that the  suspects were  currently in custody providing information are responsible for carrying out series of attacks in recent months which has escalated violence and reprisals attacks in plateau state. 

In recent months, security reports have indicated a pattern of violence involving Fulani Bandits and armed elements of the Berom operating within local communities.

The most recent development occurred on April 13 at about 0700 hrs, when troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), conducted a search-and-rescue operation in Ariri and Kwasha villages of Bassa LGA following reports of a missing herder. During the operation, troops discovered the corpse of the herder and recovered 32 cattle alive, while three others were found dead. The remains and livestock were handed over to community leaders.

On the same day, troops also responded to intelligence on an illegal settlers’ camp in Ungwan Doki, Riyom LGA, where four suspected illegal migrants were arrested. On April 12, at about 1440 hrs, troops restored calm after a clash between farmers and herders in Rakum village, Barkin Ladi LGA. Five locals, two herders, and a police officer sustained injuries, after being attacked by Berom Militia while one suspect was arrested.

Earlier at about 1222 hrs in Rasa village, troops foiled another attack on a herder by suspected armed Berom elements and evacuated the injured victim to hospital. At about 2100 hrs, troops responded to sporadic gunfire along Hukke–Rewienko road in Bassa LGA, repelling attackers and rescuing an injured civilian.

In a related development, at about 1800 hrs, troops foiled an attempted cattle rustling incident in Kpashio village, recovering 92 cattle reportedly abandoned by fleeing suspects. The owner of the livestock was either killed and buried in shallow grave or escaped the assault.

Within the same period Armed Berom Militia engaged troops of Operation Enduring Peace in a heavy gun battle in Barkin Ladi. the troops gun down five of the attackers. Later that same day, the corpses were hastily buried by the community to avoid scrutiny due to the identity of the attackers.