Troops Recover Hidden Weapons in Plateau Forest as Military Ramps Up Offensive Against Bandits
Troops of the Nigerian Army have uncovered hidden weapons in Pandam Forest, Plateau State, dealing a major blow to bandit operations in the region.
The cache included an AK-47 rifle, loaded magazine, and 30 rounds of ammunition. Authorities say more discoveries are likely as operations continue, with military efforts focused on flushing out armed groups and restoring peace in rural communities.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, in conjunction with operatives from Operation SAFE HAVEN, have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry in Plateau State. During a successful mission on Tuesday, June 3, security forces recovered a cache of arms buried by suspected bandits in the dense Pandam Forest located within Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.
The recovery, which included one AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, was made possible through actionable intelligence gathered from credible sources. According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army, the operation commenced at approximately 1:20 p.m. as part of a wider effort under the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.
“During the search, troops discovered a freshly dug spot within the forest, which immediately raised suspicion,” the Army’s statement read. “Upon excavation, they uncovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 30 rounds of ammunition, all carefully concealed underground.”
The recovered arms and ammunition are now in the custody of military authorities and will undergo further scrutiny to aid in intelligence gathering and operational planning. Meanwhile, troops continue to comb the area for additional weapons caches or signs of bandit activity.
Military officials explained that the operation was prompted by sustained pressure on criminal elements operating in the region, which has led many of them to flee or resort to hiding their weapons in remote terrains. The Army also hinted that this may not be the last arms cache in the area, as follow-up operations are currently underway.
“This recovery is just one piece of a larger puzzle,” the statement continued. “We are committed to ensuring that every corner of this forest and surrounding communities is cleared of any threat. Our goal is to deny these criminal groups the ability to regroup or launch further attacks on innocent civilians.”
Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, which translates to “Peace Mission,” is one of several ongoing counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations currently active in the North Central region. The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to curb rising insecurity, particularly in rural communities plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence.
Security experts have praised the success of the operation, citing it as an example of how intelligence-led missions can deliver effective results with minimal collateral damage. They also stressed the importance of continuous cooperation between military forces, local vigilante groups, and residents in affected communities to ensure lasting peace.
The recovery in Pandam Forest comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of illegal arms and the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs operating across Nigeria. The Army’s swift action, according to observers, sends a strong message to bandits that security forces remain vigilant and ready to respond decisively.
The Nigerian Army concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to restoring normalcy and peace in Plateau State and other troubled parts of the country. It also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or hidden weapons to the nearest security agency.
As military presence intensifies in Plateau and neighboring states, authorities are hopeful that sustained operations will eventually dismantle the networks of armed groups threatening national security and the lives of law-abiding citizens.
