By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intensified offensive operations against suspected terrorist elements across Plateau State, neutralising several suspects, recovering weapons and foiling planned attacks in separate operations conducted in Jos South, Barkin Ladi and surrounding areas.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Otep, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, and made available to journalists in Jos.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 6, in the early hours of Friday, June 26, 2026, carried out a deliberate operation at Gero High Ground in Jos South Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists operating within the area.
During the operation, the troops reportedly came under heavy fire from the terrorists, who were said to be using livestock as human shields.
The soldiers held their position and called for reinforcements.
The arrival of additional troops forced the terrorists to abandon their positions and retreat.
The statement said troops pursued the fleeing suspects, neutralising several of them while others escaped into nearby bushes.
Troops subsequently conducted extensive combing operations aimed at tracking down the fleeing terrorists and dismantling their hideouts.
In a related development later the same day, at about 10:00 a.m., troops of Sector 5 stationed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area towards Maijanki in Barkin Ladi LGA.
On sighting the checkpoint, the passengers reportedly abandoned a bag and fled into the surrounding bush, leaving the motorcycle rider behind.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles.
The motorcycle rider was arrested and, during preliminary interrogation, claimed he had picked up the fleeing passengers in Kuba without knowing their destination.
The suspect, the recovered firearms and the motorcycle are currently in military custody for further investigation.
In another operation on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, troops acting on intelligence about the movement of a large number of suspected terrorists within the Rafin Bauna/Gero Mountains in Jos South LGA laid a successful ambush.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of five suspected terrorists, while several others fled the scene.
According to the military, preliminary battlefield assessment, corroborated by members of the local community, indicated that some of those killed had been on the Command’s wanted list for allegedly masterminding several deadly attacks in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Similarly, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m., troops deployed at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, came under attack by suspected terrorists who reportedly breached the facility’s perimeter through a low fence under the cover of darkness.
The troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers and neutralising one suspect, while others escaped.
The body of the deceased suspect has been handed over to the police for further action, while arms and ammunition recovered during the encounter remain in military custody.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at denying criminal and terrorist elements freedom of action within its Joint Operations Area.
The task force also reassured residents of its renewed determination to safeguard lives and property and restore lasting peace across Plateau State.