Gunmen kill soldier at Plateau checkpoint, steal weapons

Gunmen attacked a military checkpoint in Plateau State on Saturday night, killing one soldier and taking weapons, the army-led Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) said.

The attack happened at about 8pm at the Sopp checkpoint in Ungwan Boka, Riyom Local Government Area. Troops were on duty there when the gunmen opened fire from different directions, according to the security operation's spokesman, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh.

A gun battle followed, and the attackers fled into the surrounding bushes. Oteh called the attack "a deliberate and unprovoked attack on troops".

Vanguard reported that two weapons were carted away. The Sun reported that the soldier's rifle was taken. Both accounts agree that weapons were stolen and that one soldier died.

What happens next

Oteh said troops have restored calm in the area and are hunting the attackers to arrest them and recover the stolen weapons.

He said the situation is under control and that soldiers are keeping heightened vigilance to prevent further breaches and to reassure residents.

He asked members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and pass credible information to security agencies.

Riyom is one of the local government areas in Plateau where security forces have maintained checkpoints amid repeated attacks on communities and travellers. For residents, the killing of a soldier at a manned post raises fresh questions about safety on roads and in villages around the area.