Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two teenage herders in separate incidents linked to alleged farmland destruction in Plateau State, while rescuing another teenager who was detained by local farmers.
According to intelligence sources, troops of Sub-Sector 12 responded to a report at about 12:30 p.m. on August 4, 2026, concerning the alleged destruction of a farmland belonging to Matthew Ezekiel at Kerker Community in Jos East Local Government Area.
On arrival, security personnel arrested 17-year-old Yusuf Zakariah, a herder suspected to have been connected with the incident.
Sources said efforts are ongoing to resolve the dispute amicably, with both parties engaged in dialogue alongside the Ardo, Muhammad Zakariah, under the supervision of security personnel.
Operation Enduring Peace reiterated its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, stressing that anyone found responsible for actions capable of disrupting public peace would be held accountable.
In a related development, troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace rescued a 13-year-old herder who had been detained by farmers following another alleged farmland destruction incident in Hura Community, Bassa Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 6:20 p.m. on August 1, when troops responded to a distress call from the community.
On reaching the scene, soldiers discovered that local farmers had apprehended the teenager, identified as Abdul Mahmudu, while other herders had fled the area with their cattle.
The troops immediately took the boy into protective custody to prevent the situation from escalating and to ensure his safety.
Security sources said Fulani community leaders were contacted to help identify the owners of the livestock involved and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Authorities added that efforts are continuing to resolve the matter through established conflict-resolution mechanisms as part of ongoing measures to prevent farmer-herder disputes from escalating into violence across Plateau State.
The incidents are among several recent cases of farmland destruction being handled by Operation Enduring Peace as security forces intensify patrols, mediation efforts, and confidence-building measures in flashpoint communities across the state.