A civil liberties group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called for the prosecution of nine suspected militia members recently arrested in Plateau State, warning against any attempt to suppress the case.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended by troops under Operation Enduring Peace, a security operation of the Nigerian Army, during a raid conducted on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Riyom Local Government Area. According to reports, the operation also led to the recovery of arms and ammunition.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, MURIC’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, commended the military for the arrests but insisted that the suspects must be made to face the full weight of the law.
The group expressed concern over the nature of the weapons allegedly recovered during the operation, describing them as sophisticated and capable of inflicting significant harm. It argued that the discovery reinforces longstanding concerns about organized violence in parts of Plateau State.
MURIC further alleged that the arrested individuals were linked to targeted attacks and killings in the area, while also raising concerns about previous incidents involving illegal arms manufacturing in the state. The organization cited past security operations in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Jos South local government areas, where security forces reportedly uncovered illicit weapons facilities.
The statement emphasized that the current case must not be “swept under the carpet,” urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the judicial process. It also called on relevant stakeholders, including the Plateau State Government, to avoid any actions that could undermine the prosecution.
While acknowledging the sensitivity of the security situation in Plateau, MURIC maintained that justice must be pursued without bias, adding that Nigerians are closely monitoring developments in the case.
