Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State, operating under the special mandate of Operation WUtan Daji, have neutralized two suspected terrorists and dismantled several criminal hideouts during a series of intensive clearance operations in Wase Local Government Area.
The coordinated mission, carried out on April 4, 2026, in partnership with local vigilantes, targeted known insurgent corridors across Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the expansive Dutsen Zaki Forest.
While traversing the Babangida, Adua road, the joint force engaged in a fierce firefight with a group of armed terrorists.
The superior firepower of the troops led to the immediate neutralization of two suspects, while several others fled into the dense forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Following the encounter, a thorough search of the area led to the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, including one 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 tactical engagement aimed at curbing the flow of illegal arms and dismantling kidnapping syndicates in the state, troops in the early hours of Sunday, April 5, 2026, at about 7:45 a.m., acted on credible intelligence in Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area regarding the movement of suspected armed individuals.
The swift response of the unit led to the successful interception of four suspected terrorists.
A search conducted on the suspects revealed 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in their possession.
Following the arrests, troops moved to locate and dismantle the suspects’ hideout.
During the operation, the unit came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. In the ensuing chaos, three of the four apprehended suspects attempted to escape but were killed by gunfire from their own associates.
In a related development, at about 9:35 a.m., troops in Shendam Local Government Area, in collaboration with local residents, apprehended a suspected kidnapper in Gidan Mangoro village.
The suspect is believed to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on April 3, 2026, and is currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
These operations underscore the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian military and its local partners to restoring peace and security in Plateau State.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest security post as clearance operations continue.