By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Operation Enduring Peace, operating under the special mandate of Operation Wutan Daji, have neutralised suspected terrorists, dismantled criminal hideouts and arrested a kidnap suspect during a series of clearance operations across parts of Plateau State.
The operations, conducted on April 4 and 5, 2026, targeted insurgent hideouts and criminal corridors in several communities, particularly within the Dutsen Zaki forest area in Wase Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Oteh, troops carried out the coordinated clearance mission in collaboration with local vigilantes across Babangida, Adua and Bokayi villages.
During the operation, troops encountered a group of armed terrorists along the Babangida–Adua road, leading to a fierce firefight. The soldiers reportedly overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, neutralising two of the suspects while others fled into the dense forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of several weapons and ammunition, including a locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a cutlass.
In a separate operation aimed at disrupting illegal arms movement and kidnapping networks in the state, troops deployed in the Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area acted on credible intelligence regarding suspicious armed individuals in the area.
The troops quickly mobilised and intercepted four suspected terrorists at about 7:45 a.m. on April 5. A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Following the arrests, troops launched an operation to locate and dismantle the suspects’ hideout. However, during the manoeuvre, the unit came under heavy fire from associates of the suspects.
In the confusion that followed the attack, three of the four arrested suspects attempted to escape but were struck by gunfire from their own associates during the exchange.
Meanwhile, in a related development, troops deployed in Shendam Local Government Area collaborated with local residents to apprehend a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village at about 9:35 a.m.
Security sources said the suspect is believed to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the community on April 3.
All suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military authorities noted that the operations underscore the continued commitment of the Nigerian Army and its local partners to restoring peace and stability in Plateau State.
Residents were also encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies as clearance operations continue across the affected areas.
