KEY POINTS
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Gunmen killed a soldier at Sopp Checkpoint in Plateau State.
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The attackers reportedly escaped with two weapons after a gun battle.
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Troops have launched a pursuit to arrest the assailants and recover the weapons.
Gunmen have killed a soldier and stolen two weapons after attacking troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) at a military checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred at about 8pm on Saturday at Sopp Checkpoint in Ungwan Boka, Riyom LGA, according to a report by Vanguard.
Security sources said the troops were keeping watch at the checkpoint when the attackers opened fire from different directions, triggering a gun battle between the two sides.
The assailants reportedly fled into nearby bushes after the exchange of gunfire. They were said to have escaped with two weapons during the incident.
The attack adds to security concerns in Plateau State, where communities have experienced recurring violence and attacks on security personnel and civilians.
Military launches pursuit of attackers
The spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, confirmed the incident, describing it as a deliberate and unprovoked attack on the troops.
Oteh said the military had restored normalcy in the area and launched efforts to track down those responsible.
He said troops were pursuing the attackers to apprehend them and recover the stolen weapons.
According to the spokesperson, the security situation remained under control following the attack, with personnel maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent further breaches.
The military also said it was taking steps to reassure residents and sustain security in the affected area.
Military urges residents to provide information
Oteh urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, assuring them that troops were working to maintain security.
He also called on members of the public to provide credible information that could help security agencies identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The military did not disclose the identity of the slain soldier or provide further details about the stolen weapons.
There was also no immediate information on whether any of the attackers had been killed or arrested following the incident.
