Troops neutralise terrorists, arrest kidnapper in Plateau clearance operations

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, under the mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, have neutralised suspected terrorists, dismantled criminal hideouts and arrested a suspected kidnapper in coordinated clearance operations across Plateau State.

The operations, conducted on April 4 and 5 in collaboration with local vigilantes, targeted insurgent strongholds in Wase, Qua’an Pan and Shendam Local Government Areas.

According to a statement by the Joint Task Force, the troops engaged armed terrorists in a fierce gun battle along the Babangida–Adua axis in Wase Local Government Area, leading to the neutralisation of two suspects.

“The superior firepower of the troops resulted in the immediate neutralisation of two suspects, while several others retreated into the dense forest with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

Following the encounter, troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including a locally fabricated firearm, 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a cutlass.

In a separate operation in Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted four suspected terrorists allegedly involved in arms movement.

The military disclosed that the suspects were found with 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

However, during a follow-up operation to dismantle their hideout, the troops came under heavy attack from the suspects’ associates.

“Amidst the ensuing chaos, three of the four apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were subsequently neutralised by the adversary’s own gunfire,” the statement added.

In another development, troops in Shendam Local Government Area, working with local residents, arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village.

The suspect is believed to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on April 3 and is currently in custody for further investigation.

The military said the operations demonstrate its resolve to restore peace and security in Plateau State, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

The clearance operations are ongoing as troops intensify efforts to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks in the region.