Military Arrests Five Foreign Nationals in Plateau as Troops Step Up Crackdown on Criminal Networks
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have arrested no fewer than five foreign nationals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, as part of their ongoing security operations across the country.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed the arrests in a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye. The suspects, comprising three foreign Fulani migrants and two Chadians, were apprehended between May 15 and 20, 2025.
Though the exact offence was not specified, the foreigners reportedly claimed they were working with an international organization. Kangye stated that they have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
This development comes in the wake of concerns over the involvement of foreign herders in violent clashes in Plateau and Benue States. Earlier in May, the DHQ had linked cross-border movements to worsening security tensions in these regions.
In the broader security update, Kangye revealed that troops arrested 28 additional individuals including terrorists, logistics suppliers, and other criminal elements. Within the same timeframe, troops also rescued 47 hostages from various parts of the country.
In the oil-rich Niger Delta, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft schemes valued at over N533 million. According to Kangye, security operatives intercepted 550,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,710 litres of illegally refined AGO (diesel), and 350 litres of DPK (kerosene).
Furthermore, troops uncovered and destroyed:
45 crude oil cooking ovens
30 dugout pits
16 boats
37 storage tanks
11 drums
18 illegal refining sites
Other recovered items included pumping machines, drilling equipment, mobile phones, tricycles, motorcycles, and four vehicles. Additionally, 51 suspects were arrested and assorted arms and ammunition seized.
Reiterating the military’s resolve, Maj. Gen. Kangye emphasized that the Armed Forces, under the leadership of Gen. Christopher Musa, remain fully committed to eradicating terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s stability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are not backing down. Our troops are determined and fully committed to restoring lasting peace across the country. We remain focused, not just on the fight, but also on the welfare of our personnel,” Kangye asserted.
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