The Nigerian military has launched a manhunt for armed men who attacked a military checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a soldier and escaping with two weapons.

The attack reportedly happened at about 8pm on Saturday at the Sopp checkpoint in Ungwan Boka, where troops of Operation Enduring Peace were on duty.

Security sources said the attackers opened fire on the soldiers from different directions, triggering an exchange of gunfire before they fled into nearby bushes.

One soldier was killed during the confrontation, while the gunmen reportedly made away with two weapons.

Confirming the incident to journalists in Jos on Sunday, the spokesman for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh, described the assault as deliberate and unprovoked.

Oteh said troops had restored normalcy in the area and were pursuing those responsible for the attack.

“It was a deliberate and unprovoked attack on troops at Sopp checkpoint, Ungwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area,” he said.

He added that security personnel were maintaining an aggressive pursuit of the attackers to arrest them and recover the stolen weapons.

According to the military spokesman, the situation remained under control, with troops sustaining heightened vigilance to prevent further security breaches and reassure residents.

He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and provide credible information that could assist security agencies.

Residents of the community have condemned the killing, describing the attack as a threat to the security of the area.

A resident, Dung Gyang, said the soldiers had been deployed to protect the community and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Another resident, Sarah Bot, expressed concern over the killing and appealed to the military to maintain its presence in the area.

She said the checkpoint had helped to monitor criminal activities and improve security in the locality.

The incident has renewed concerns over the security situation in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State, where communities have continued to face attacks, kidnappings and other violent incidents.

Riyom is among the local government areas in Plateau that have experienced recurring security challenges, including attacks on farming communities and ambushes involving security personnel.

The military has increased its operations in the area under Operation Enduring Peace, which replaced the former Operation Safe Haven, as part of efforts to tackle armed groups and improve security across affected communities.

The reported attack on the Sopp checkpoint highlights the risks facing security personnel deployed to vulnerable locations, particularly along routes and communities affected by recurring violence.

The military has not announced any arrests in connection with Saturday’s incident. Its immediate priority, according to Oteh, is to apprehend the attackers and recover the weapons taken during the assault.