Army Deploys 178 Troops to Mangu, Plateau, as Tensions Rise

The Nigerian Army has deployed 178 personnel from the 236 Tank Battalion to the Headquarters of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The deployment took place at about 4:40 p.m. on September 25, 2026, as part of the Army’s ongoing restructuring to strengthen security operations in the area.

The troops arrived in two groups of 89 personnel each, led by the Commanding Officer of the 236 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. H.O. Obire.

They were received at the sector headquarters by the Commander of Sector 8 OPEP.

According to security sources cited by analyst Zagazola Makama, the newly deployed personnel immediately began familiarisation with the sector’s Area of Responsibility and operational mandate.

The reinforcement comes amid heightened security concerns in Mangu and surrounding communities, where recent weeks have seen attacks, killings, livestock destruction, and reprisal incidents.

The additional troops are expected to increase the military’s presence in vulnerable areas and improve the sector’s ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.

They will also work with other security and emergency response agencies to protect civilians, prevent further violence, and maintain stability across communities within the sector’s operational area.