Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Avert Ethnic Violence in Plateau as Soldier Nabbed Over Car Theft in Abuja

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Saturday, April 19, 2025, averted what could have been a deadly clash between ethnic groups in Plateau State after armed youths attacked a Fulani settlement in Riyom Local Government Area, PRNigeria reports.

The crisis erupted in Tanjol Village around 1:00 p.m. when suspected Berom youths opened fire on cattle belonging to Fulani herders, killing one cow and injuring two others. The provocative assault triggered a swift mobilization of Fulani youths from nearby Mahanga in preparation for a reprisal, raising fears of renewed ethnic violence.

According to Zagazola, prompt intervention by security forces — including OPSH’s Sector 6, reinforced by Sector 4 and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish — successfully dispersed the armed groups before the situation escalated. Two Fulani youths sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, while the attackers fled into surrounding bushes. Troops and police have since intensified patrols in the area to prevent further unrest.

The incident underscores the persistent insecurity in Plateau State, where ethnic clashes and reprisal attacks have become alarmingly frequent. Critics have faulted the Plateau State Government and political actors for their inaction and, in some cases, inflammatory rhetoric. Security analyst Zagazola Makama has urged neutral and firm security enforcement as well as justice for all affected communities to prevent further deterioration of the fragile peace.

In a separate development, a Nigerian Army personnel has been arrested in Kwali, Abuja, for allegedly stealing a vehicle. Lance Corporal Yusuf Yunnusa, 33, attached to the 82 Battalion in Rukuba, Plateau State, was apprehended at Mamu Filling Station in Lambata while attempting to sell a stolen Toyota Corolla LE with registration number ABC 570 FJ.

The ash-colored vehicle had been stolen from the Federal Secretariat parking lot in Abuja on April 17. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted Yunnusa, who confessed to the theft. He remains in custody as investigations continue, raising renewed concerns about discipline and misconduct within the nation’s security forces.

These two incidents, while distinct, highlight the complex challenges Nigeria faces — from ethnic tensions and violent conflicts to integrity issues within security institutions.