Gunmen have attacked troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) at a checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a soldier and carting away two weapons.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday night when troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Ungwan Boka, came under attack at the Sopp checkpoint.
According to sources cited by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the assailants opened fire from different directions, prompting the troops to engage them in a gun battle.
The attackers reportedly retreated into nearby bushes following the exchange of gunfire.
However, a sergeant attached to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost in Tigi was killed during the incident. Sources said the soldier was on an administrative visit to the location when the attack occurred.
His remains were subsequently evacuated to the mortuary of the 3 Division Medical Services and Hospital (3 DMSH).
Reinforcement troops have reportedly launched offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing attackers, while efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen weapons.
The incident is reportedly the third attack on Nigerian Army personnel in Plateau State within a week.
On October 29, suspected local youths allegedly attacked security personnel during a protest along the Jos–Mararaban Pushit–Pankshin highway in Mangu Local Government Area.
The protesters were demanding the release of Karfe, a suspected Mwaghavul militia member who was arrested over the alleged killing of a Fulani elder along the Jipun–Jennaret road.
Troops of Sector 8 OPEP reportedly attempted to engage the protesters in dialogue before the situation escalated. However, the protesters allegedly resorted to throwing stones and other harmful objects at security personnel. A mobile police officer was also reportedly injured during the incident.
In a separate attack on the same day, Gbonogbe Mensewon, a lance corporal, was reportedly assaulted by suspected local residents in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area.
The soldier sustained machete wounds to his chest, stomach and head, while two civilians reportedly suffered gunshot injuries.
He was initially evacuated to ECWA Hospital, Bukuru, where he was stabilised before being referred to Bingham Hospital in Jos for further treatment.