Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have neutralised an armed militia who attempted to disarm a soldier during a follow-up operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the incident occurred following the arrest of the suspect on 4 September 2025 at Kaskra, Barkin Ladi LGA. The militia was found in possession of one AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
According to Major Zhakom, the arrested suspect confessed to being involved in several criminal activities in the Barkin Ladi area and volunteered to lead troops to the hideout of his cohorts with the aim of recovering more weapons.
However, during the search operation on 5 September 2025, the suspect made a desperate attempt to seize the rifle of a soldier in a bid to escape. The troops responded swiftly, neutralising him in the process. His remains have been deposited at a morgue.
Major Zhakom reaffirmed the commitment of troops under Operation Enduring Peace to rid Plateau State and surrounding areas of criminal elements. He stressed that the military will not relent until the entire Joint Operations Area is fully secured
