Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Foil Gunrunning, Recover Weapons In Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intensified military operations against terrorist elements in Plateau State, neutralising several suspects, arresting a suspected gunrunner and recovering locally fabricated rifles during coordinated security operations across Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

According to the military, the operations were carried out between June 26 and July 1 as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts, disrupt criminal activities and restore lasting peace within the Joint Operations Area.

In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops of Sector 6 launched an operation on June 26 at Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area after receiving intelligence about the presence of suspected terrorists.

During the operation, the troops reportedly came under heavy gunfire from the suspected terrorists, who allegedly used livestock as cover while attacking the advancing soldiers. The troops held their position and requested reinforcements. The arrival of additional personnel forced the attackers to retreat from the area.

The troops pursued the fleeing suspects, neutralised some of them and continued search operations around the surrounding communities to destroy their hideouts and prevent them from regrouping.

On the same day, another operation was carried out at Maijanki, where troops intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area towards Barkin Ladi.

According to the military, the two passengers abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes immediately after sighting security personnel at a checkpoint.

A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles. The motorcycle rider was arrested and reportedly told investigators during preliminary questioning that he had picked up the two passengers from Kuba but did not know their intended destination.

The suspect, the recovered firearms and the motorcycle remain in military custody while investigations continue.

In another operation conducted on June 30, troops acting on credible intelligence laid an ambush for suspected terrorists gathered in the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountains in Jos South Local Government Area.

The military said five suspected terrorists were killed during the operation, while several others escaped.

A preliminary assessment and information provided by members of the local community indicated that some of those neutralised had been on the military’s wanted list for allegedly masterminding several attacks in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.

The military also reported another confrontation on the night of July 1 when suspected terrorists allegedly attempted to gain access to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, through a damaged section of the institution’s perimeter fence under the cover of darkness.

Troops on guard duty immediately responded after coming under attack and engaged the suspects in a gun battle.

According to Captain Oteh, one suspected terrorist was killed during the exchange of gunfire while others fled the scene. The body of the deceased suspect has been handed over to the police for further necessary action, while the recovered arms and ammunition remain in military custody.

Security personnel have continued aggressive patrols around the area to prevent any further attacks.

Operation Enduring Peace reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Plateau State, assuring residents that sustained military operations would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and restore lasting peace throughout the state.