Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have reportedly launched a manhunt for suspected Berom militia members following an attack on Fulani herders in the Gero area of Gyel District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops were deployed in Gero when they responded to a distress report at about 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following an attack on cattle in the community.
According to counterinsurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama, security sources said the troops arrived at the location and discovered 10 cattle that had been killed, while two others were found with gunshot wounds.
It was further reported that the troops indicated that the attackers had rustled an undisclosed number of cattle and moved them towards Gyel community.
However, it was stated that sources within the affected community said the attack resulted in the death of about 14 cattle, while 29 others were allegedly taken away by the attackers.
Following the incident, troops were reported to have commenced clearance operations in Gyel community as part of efforts to track the perpetrators, recover the rustled cattle and prevent further attacks.
The ongoing operation is focused on locating the attackers and recovering the livestock allegedly taken during the incident.
CATTLE
The latest attack has raised fresh security concerns in Gero and surrounding communities, which have recorded a number of violent incidents in recent months.
On June 30, 2026, three people were reportedly killed in an attack in the Gero area, while an earlier attack at Nyongo on June 16 reportedly claimed four lives whose whereabouts remain unresolved.
Security sources expressed concern that the latest incident could heighten tensions in the area, particularly because it involved the killing and rustling of cattle belonging to pastoral communities.
They warned that attacks targeting livestock could trigger retaliatory attacks by affected communities, potentially escalating the situation into broader communal violence.
The sources stressed the importance of apprehending those responsible for the latest attack and recovering the rustled cattle to prevent reprisals.
Security agencies are expected to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering in Gero, Gyel and neighbouring communities as troops continue their search for the perpetrators.
Community leaders and other stakeholders are also expected to support the security operation by providing relevant information and discouraging residents from taking retaliatory action.
The latest development underscores the continuing security challenges confronting communities in parts of Plateau State, where recurring attacks have raised concerns over the safety of residents and pastoral groups.
On Saturday, SaharaReporters reported that atleast 23 people have reportedly been killed in a deadly midnight attack on a Christian community in Binper, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, with several others injured and some residents still unaccounted for.
The attack, which reportedly began around Friday midnight, lasted for more than three hours as assailants allegedly moved from house to house, forcing their way into residences and attacking residents while they slept.
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a pastor who raised the alarm over the incident, said the community had once again been thrown into mourning following the deadly assault.
“ I speak to Nigeria and to the entire world with a heart that is deeply broken and with tears that words can hardly explain On this painful and heartbreaking day a Christian community in Binper Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has once again been thrown into mourning after a deadly midnight attack that reportedly claimed the lives of at least 23 innocent people Several others were injured while some residents are still unaccounted for,” Dachomo said.
According to him, the attackers subjected residents to hours of terror as they allegedly went from one house to another during the assault.
