Gunmen attack OPEP checkpoint in Plateau State, killing a soldier and stealing weapons

One soldier was killed on Saturday night when armed assailants attacked a military checkpoint manned by troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Ungwan Boka, Sopp community, within the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault took place at about 8 p.m., with gunmen opening fire from multiple directions, prompting an exchange of gunfire before the attackers fled into surrounding bushes. In addition to the fatality, the gunmen seized the soldier’s rifle and another weapon, taking a total of two firearms from the site.

Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the spokesperson for OPEP, confirmed the incident, describing the attack as deliberate and unprovoked. He said troops quickly restored normalcy in the area and have been pursuing the perpetrators aggressively to apprehend them and recover the stolen weapons. Oteh urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and provide credible information that could aid security agencies.

Background

Operation Enduring Peace is a security initiative deployed across several Nigerian states to counter insurgency and communal violence. The checkpoint at Sopp in Ungwan Boka forms part of OPEP’s effort to maintain stability in Plateau State, a region that has experienced periodic attacks by armed groups. Previous reports have highlighted tensions between security forces and local communities, but the OPEP spokesperson emphasized that the troops had restored normalcy after the recent incident. Both the Sun News and Vanguard reports provide consistent details about the time, location, and nature of the attack, as well as the response from OPEP officials.

Why it matters

The killing of a soldier and theft of weapons underscores the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where armed groups continue to target military installations. The loss of firearms raises concerns about the potential for those weapons to be used in further attacks, affecting both security personnel and civilians. Local residents are directly impacted, as the incident prompted heightened vigilance and a call for community cooperation with authorities. The OPEP’s statement that the situation remains under control aims to reassure the public, but the need for public assistance highlights the reliance on civilian intelligence in counter‑insurgency operations.

What happens next

According to the OPEP spokesperson, security forces are maintaining aggressive pursuit of the attackers and are working to recover the stolen weapons. The troops continue heightened vigilance in the area to prevent additional breaches. Authorities have asked the public to provide credible information that could assist in locating the perpetrators, indicating that investigations are ongoing and that further security operations may be deployed in the coming days.