Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled a planned bandit attack on communities in Plateau State, neutralising five bandits and recovering arms and ammunition.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of 1 January 2026, was part of ongoing offensive actions under Operation PEACE SHIELD aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area (JOA). Acting on credible intelligence, troops laid an ambush along routes linking Dutsen Zaki to Odare Forest in Wase Local Government Area, where bandits were mobilising to launch attacks on adjoining communities.
According to a press statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Joshua Atu John, troops made contact with the bandits during the ambush, leading to a firefight in which five bandits were neutralised, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene include two AK-47 rifle magazines containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two machetes, and one knife. Troops are currently exploiting the area and are on the trail of the fleeing bandits.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General EF Oyinlola, reassured law-abiding residents of Plateau State and other Areas of Responsibility (AOR) of the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, criminals operating within the Joint Operations Area have been warned to desist from all forms of criminality or face decisive military action, as troops remain vigilant and fully prepared to respond to any threats to peace and stability in Plateau State.
