The Nigerian Army’s Operation Safe Haven has arrested irate youths responsible for violent attacks and property destruction in Kerang community, Plateau State.

The incident occurred during the recent curfew imposed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang in response to the deteriorating security situation in Mangu Local Government.

The spokesman for Operation Safe Haven, Captain Oya James, revealed in a statement on Friday that some youths assaulted Air Force personnel enforcing the curfew, extending their attack to other community members and looting properties.

The youths even fired at the troops’ patrol vehicles, posing a significant threat to both military personnel and the community.

James revealed that the military successfully apprehended the perpetrators and seized a cache of dangerous weapons used in the assault.

The recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, four locally fabricated automatic rifles, one locally made mortar bomb launcher, seven empty shells of 7.62mm, one empty shell of a cartridge, one pistol magazine, 36 Boris, three rounds of 7.62mm, and seven rounds of 9 x 19mm.

The military denounced the reckless and unlawful violence, emphasizing its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens. The statement urged the people of Kerang to refrain from engaging in violence and to respect the imposed 24-hour curfew for the collective well-being of the community.

“We urge the peace-loving people of Kerang and all citizens to refrain from engaging in acts of violence and to respect the authority of the state. The imposition of the 24-hour curfew was a necessary measure to safeguard the lives and property of all residents, and it is essential that it be adhered to for the collective well-being of the community,” the captain stated.

The military also called for the community’s cooperation in providing information that may lead to the apprehension of individuals involved in unlawful activities.