Troops eliminate terrorists, recover arms during clearance operations in Plateau State

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have recorded a major success in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Plateau State, neutralising at least 10 suspected terrorists and recovering arms and logistics supplies during coordinated offensives across multiple communities.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with local vigilante groups, targeted Daba and Seri villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas as part of a broader security initiative codenamed Operation WUTAN DAJI.

According to a statement issued by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the troops established strategic blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and the Odare Forest in the early hours of April 9, 2026. During the operation, security forces encountered a large group of armed men riding motorcycles along a known transit route and engaged them in a gun battle.

The troops, leveraging superior firepower and coordinated tactics, overpowered the group, resulting in the neutralisation of 10 suspects, while others fled into nearby forest areas with injuries.

In a separate operation, troops responded to reports of an attack on commuters along the Razat–Kafi Abu axis. The assailants retreated upon contact with security forces, prompting a pursuit into surrounding areas. Subsequent cordon-and-search operations were conducted in Suma Suga and Takwok villages, as well as nearby mountainous terrain.

The operations led to the recovery of several items, including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles, and five 25-litre jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit believed to be intended for terrorist logistics. Troops also recovered a National Identity Card and a photograph suspected to belong to members of the group, which authorities say will aid ongoing investigations.

Military authorities described the operation as a significant step toward weakening the operational capacity of armed groups in the region. Troops remain on high alert and are continuing efforts to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle their networks.

Operation ENDURING PEACE, the statement added, will sustain its intensified clearance operations across identified flashpoints to ensure the safety of lives and property in Plateau State.

Benita Ibrahim