Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have launched an intensive manhunt for a notorious bandit leader identified as Alhaji Muhammed Sule (aka MP), who has been operating in Rawaya village of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who disclosed this in a weekly update from the Military High Command on Saturday, said the manhunt for Sule whom he described as a dangerous terror kingpin linked to a deadly Islamist terrorist group, followed a recent raid on his residence by troops who recovered weapons including two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, six magazines, and 1,202 rounds of live ammunition.

The military spokesman added that intelligence reports have linked Sule to several attacks in the council which have led to the killing of hundreds of innocent people and rustling of thousands of cows.

“On 19 October 2025, during a planned raid operation, troops raided the residence of the wanted extremist leader, Alhaji Muhammed Sule (aka MP), in Rawaya village, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.

“No contact was made during the raid; however, the following weapons were recovered from the suspect’s residence: two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, six magazines, and 1,202 rounds of live ammunition,” Gen. Kangye stated that the recovered weapons are in the troops’ custody, while the manhunt for the suspect is ongoing.

In the update, Kangye also stated that troops of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai apprehended several terrorists, along with their collaborators, informants, sympathisers, and spies in several communities in the state during the week in review.

“Troops of Operation Enduring Peace conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls regarding terrorists’ activities in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Jos North, Riyom, Jos East, and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.

“Similar operations were also conducted in Zangon Kataf, Jama’a, Kaura, and Tafawa Balewa LGAs of Kaduna and Bauchi States, respectively.

“During the firefights, some extremists were killed in action, 24 of them were apprehended, and three kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were also recovered from them.”

Plateau: Troops launch manhunt for notorious bandit leader, Muhammed Sule