Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a 34-year-old suspected Mwaghavul militia member over alleged involvement in cattle rustling in Plateau State.

The arrest was carried out during a raid in Mangu Local Government Area of the state, with four suspected rustled cattle recovered.

According to a report by security expert Zagazola Makama, the operation was conducted at about 9:37 p.m. on October 1, 2026, at Mangun village in Mangu LGA.

Security sources said the operation followed a manhunt for suspected cattle rustlers linked to a reported rustling incident in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area on August 18, after an attack on Fulani herders.

The suspect was identified as Matthew Ishaya, who was arrested at his residence during the operation.

A photo released from the operation showed the suspect in custody at the Sector headquarters in Mangu, with GPS coordinates confirming the location as Mangu, Plateau State (Lat 9.499145° Long 9.148312°) at 10:51 p.m. on October 1, 2026.

Troops also recovered four cattle believed to have been stolen during the attack.

Operation Enduring Peace, formerly known as Operation Safe Haven, is the military task force responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau State and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States. The task force has in recent months intensified efforts to curb farmer-herder clashes, cattle rustling, and reprisal attacks.

The suspect is currently in military custody and is expected to be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution after preliminary interrogation.