SAA event in Plateau State, Mangu area, Nigeria on Sat 19th September 2026

Troops arrest suspected militia member, recover weapon, ammunition in Mangu 

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Sector 8, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected armed militia member and recovered a locally fabricated automatic weapon and ammunition during a confidence-building patrol in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operation was conducted at about 1900 hours on Sept. 19, 2026, along the Tul–Ntam–Angwan Mata–Deng-Deng road, where troops apprehended a 38-year-old suspect identified as Bitrus Sani Dabak.

The suspect was arrested around the Water Board General Area while allegedly attempting to conceal a weapon from the troops.

A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm ammunition and a mobile phone.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to establish his affiliation, activities and possible links to other criminal elements operating in the area.

The development forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at preventing targeted attacks, disrupting armed groups and strengthening the safety of communities across the area.