Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have killed five suspected terrorists and arrested a suspected kidnapper during coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts in Plateau State.
In a statement, the spokesman of the Joint Task Force, Chinonso Oteh, said the troops carried out intensive clearance operations on Saturday across Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages located within the Dutsen Zaki forest.
The operation, which involved collaboration with local vigilantes, focused on insurgent corridors in Wase, Qua’an Pan, and Shendam Local Government Areas.
According to Oteh, the troops’ superior firepower led to the immediate neutralisation of two suspects, while others fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Following the initial arrests, troops moved to locate and dismantle the suspects’ hideout, and during this manoeuvre, the unit came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. Amidst the ensuing chaos, three of the four apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were subsequently neutralized by the adversary’s own gunfire,” he said.
He added that while patrolling the Babangida-Adua road, the joint security team encountered armed terrorists, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the scene, including a locally fabricated firearm and more than 100 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The latest operation comes amid a surge of violent incidents across Plateau State, including recent killings in Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, as well as subsequent attacks in other communities.
In a separate incident, three individuals were reportedly killed in an ambush in Jos South, raising fresh concerns among residents and rights groups over the persistent insecurity in the region.
Security agencies have since intensified deployments and launched targeted clearance operations in identified criminal hideouts across the state.
The renewed offensive also follows a recent visit by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Plateau State, where he assured residents that the violence would be addressed and directed security agencies to strengthen efforts toward restoring lasting peace.
What you should know
Nigerian troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified operations in Plateau State, killing five suspected terrorists and arresting a kidnap suspect.
The action is part of broader efforts to curb rising insecurity and repeated attacks in the region.
With increased deployments and government directives, authorities aim to dismantle criminal networks and restore stability across affected communities.
