Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have launched a manhunt for suspected attackers following an assault on Fulani herders and their livestock in Gero, Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The troops reportedly moved into the area after receiving a distress call at about 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, over an attack involving cattle belonging to pastoralists in the community.

According to counterinsurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, security sources said the troops arrived at the scene and found 10 cattle already killed, while two others sustained gunshot wounds.

The security sources further disclosed that the attackers were suspected to have rustled an undisclosed number of cattle before moving the animals towards Gyel community.

However, accounts from residents of the affected community put the number of cattle killed at about 14, with 29 others allegedly rustled and taken away during the attack.

The conflicting figures could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

Following the incident, the troops reportedly commenced clearance operations across Gyel and adjoining areas in an effort to track down the attackers, recover the stolen livestock and prevent further violence.

The operation is also aimed at securing the affected communities and forestalling possible reprisals arising from the attack.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over the security situation in Gero and neighbouring communities, where a series of violent attacks have reportedly occurred in recent months.

On June 30, three people were reportedly killed in an attack in the Gero area, while another incident at Nyongo on June 16 was said to have resulted in four deaths, with concerns also raised over the whereabouts of some persons following the attack.

Security sources warned that the latest incident could further inflame tensions between communities, particularly because of the reported killing and rustling of cattle belonging to pastoralists.

They noted that attacks involving livestock could have wider security implications, as affected herders or communities might seek reprisal, potentially triggering a cycle of violence.

The sources therefore stressed the need for security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible, while ensuring that the rustled cattle are recovered to reduce the likelihood of retaliatory attacks.

Troops are expected to sustain patrols, clearance operations and intelligence gathering in Gero, Gyel and surrounding communities as the manhunt continues.

Community leaders and other stakeholders have also been urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information and discouraging residents from resorting to self-help or retaliatory violence.