Intelligence-Led Operation in Barkin Ladi

Men of the Plateau State Police Command have recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), an AK-47 rifle, and other sophisticated weapons during an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected bandits in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The suspects reportedly fled into a nearby forest after encountering police operatives, abandoning the weapons which were subsequently recovered during a thorough search of the area.

The operation was conducted on Friday, August 28, 2026, following credible intelligence regarding the activities of suspected bandits around the Kafi Abu community. The mission was executed by a team of Mobile Policemen led by the Commander of the 81 PMF Bassa, who stormed the vicinity at approximately 8:23 pm.

Details of Recovered Weaponry

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Plateau State Command, SP Alfred Alabo, the suspected criminals took to their heels and disappeared into the surrounding forest upon sighting the police team. The subsequent sweep of the location yielded several high-powered firearms used by criminal elements in the region.

On Friday, 28th August 2026, at about 08:23pm, while acting on credible intelligence, a team of Mobile Policemen led by the Commander, 81 PMF Bassa, embarked on an operation in the bush around Kafi Abu, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, the team encountered a group of suspected bandits. Upon sighting the Police operatives, the suspects immediately fled into the surrounding forest. The operatives conducted a thorough search of the area and, as a result, recovered one GPMG with breech number T1102-20CH00007, a SARSILMAZ SAR762 MT, and one AK-47 rifle with breech number 1968M117479.

— SP Alfred Alabo, Police Public Relations Officer, Plateau State Command

The recovery of these specific weapons is seen as a significant blow to the operational capacity of armed groups in the state. Additional personnel have since been deployed to the area to sustain the operation and prevent the fleeing suspects from regrouping or launching retaliatory attacks.

Ongoing Security Measures and Public Appeal

Investigation into the incident has officially commenced, with efforts currently focused on tracking down and apprehending the suspects who escaped into the forest. The command has assured the public that they will be updated as further developments arise from the ongoing manhunt.

Commissioner of Police for the Plateau State Command, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, commended the operatives for their courage and commitment to duty. He reaffirmed the command's dedication to protecting lives and property while sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state's various local government areas.

Faniyan also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station. He emphasized that community cooperation is vital to the success of security agencies in maintaining long-term peace and preventing criminal incursions within Plateau State.