The Police in Plateau State have arrested a key suspect linked to Tuesday’s deadly attack on Bimper village in Mangu Local Government Area.
25 people were killed, and four others were injured in that early morning attack on Kombun District.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the arrest to Channels Television, saying the suspect in custody is believed to be the mastermind of the attack.
He added that investigations are progressing and a manhunt is still on for other fleeing attackers.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, making it the third attack recorded in Mangu in the past week. One person was shot in the previous attack, according to local sources.
The latest attack has heightened concerns among residents, who are calling on the government to strengthen security and protect communities from further attacks.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangana, has moved his tactical office to Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State for two weeks, as the military launches ‘Operation Hard Nut’ to flush out terrorists and restore normalcy following Tuesday’s deadly attack on Bi Mper community.
Dangana gave the directive while addressing troops at the Mangu Local Government Council headquarters during a show of force, shortly after the attack which claimed the lives of 25 people.
The GOC charged the troops to remain professional and neutral in the discharge of their duties, assuring residents that the military would intensify efforts to secure communities across Mangu and other parts of the state.
He said the operation would focus on clearing all terrorists and other criminal elements operating around Mangu, while restoring the confidence of residents who have been affected by repeated attacks.
General Dangana disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff had approved the deployment of additional troops and equipment to support the operation, stressing that the reinforcement would strengthen the military’s capacity to confront the attackers.
He assured the people of Mangu that the Army would work relentlessly to make the local government safe, adding that his decision to relocate his tactical office to Mangu for two weeks was aimed at providing direct supervision of the operation.
Dangana also urged residents to support the security agencies with credible information that could assist troops in identifying and neutralising terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the area.
