By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested two suspected impostors posing as security operatives and neutralised three terrorists in separate operations aimed at restoring peace in Plateau State.
The arrests were made during a targeted operation in Dutse Uku area of Jos North Local Government Area following a distress call over sporadic gunfire late Thursday night.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh, the troops intercepted the suspects at about 11:45 p.m. while responding to reports of violence in the Dutse Uku general area.
According to the statement, the two suspects were apprehended while masquerading as security personnel and actively participating in acts of arson and violence within the community.
“At approximately 11:45 pm, vigilant troops responding to a distress call on sporadic shooting at Dutse Uku general area intercepted and apprehended two individuals masquerading as security operatives,” Oteh said.
He explained that the suspects were dressed in tactical black uniforms and were caught while setting residential properties ablaze and orchestrating violent attacks within the community.
The military spokesman disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody while two individuals who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident were evacuated by troops to a medical facility where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.
Oteh noted that the arrest of the suspects directly counters allegations suggesting military involvement in the unrest in Jos North, stressing that criminal elements have been impersonating security personnel to perpetrate violence and discredit the Armed Forces.
“This pivotal arrest serves as a direct rebuttal to recent allegations suggesting military complicity in the Jos North unrest, effectively proving that the atrocities previously attributed to official personnel are being committed by criminal elements using deceptive attire to sow discord and defame the Armed Forces,” he said.
The operation also recorded another major success in Karem, Wase Local Government Area, where troops on high alert disrupted the movement of terrorists travelling on motorcycles.
According to Oteh, the terrorists fled after encountering troops who engaged them in combat.
“In the engagement, three of the terrorists were successfully neutralised,” he added.
The military said the renewed operational successes followed the strategic deployment of a battalion and specialised counter-terrorism troops ordered earlier on Thursday by the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede.
The additional deployment, according to the military, has significantly strengthened the security architecture in Plateau State and enabled troops to regain proactive control of volatile areas.
The statement warned that hoodlums, insurgents and criminal syndicates operating within the state would be decisively confronted as the military remains committed to eliminating all threats to public safety.
The Joint Task Force also urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by reporting suspicious movements or activities to the nearest authorities.
It assured citizens that with continued cooperation from the public and sustained military operations, peace and normalcy would be fully restored across affected communities in Plateau State.
