Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, operating under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, have neutralised suspected terrorists, arrested a kidnap suspect, and dismantled criminal hideouts during coordinated clearance operations in parts of Plateau State.
The operations, conducted in Wase, Qua’an Pan, and Shendam Local Government Areas, formed part of sustained efforts to flush out criminal elements and restore peace across troubled communities in the state.
According to military authorities, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, carried out intensive clearance patrols on 4 April 2026 across known insurgent corridors in Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the Dutsen Zaki forest in Wase Local Government Area.
During the operation, the joint force encountered armed terrorists along the Babangida–Adua road, leading to a fierce gun battle. Troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, neutralising 2 suspected terrorists, while several others reportedly fled into the forest with gunshot wounds.
A follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of 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 operation on 5 April 2026 at about 7:45 a.m., troops deployed in Namu District, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, acted on credible intelligence on the movement of armed suspects and intercepted 4 suspected terrorists.
A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Military sources said troops subsequently moved to identify and dismantle the suspects’ hideout, but came under heavy fire from other members of the criminal group. In the course of the engagement, 3 of the 4 arrested suspects reportedly attempted to escape and were killed by gunfire from their fleeing associates.
Meanwhile, in Shendam Local Government Area, troops working with local residents at about 9:35 a.m. on the same day apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The suspect is believed to be linked to a kidnapping incident reported in the area on 3 April 2026.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation ahead of possible prosecution.
Speaking on the operations, the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the military remains resolute in its mission to rid Plateau communities of criminal elements.
“These successful operations reflect the unwavering commitment of troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, in collaboration with local security stakeholders, to deny terrorists and criminal syndicates freedom of action in Plateau State. We will continue to sustain aggressive clearance operations, dismantle their hideouts, and ensure that all those threatening the peace and safety of law-abiding citizens are brought to justice,” Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh stated.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
“The support of the people remains critical to the success of our operations. We encourage citizens to promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security post as we intensify efforts to restore lasting peace across the state,” he added.
The military said the latest operations underscore its determination, alongside local partners, to sustain pressure on terrorist and kidnapping networks operating in Plateau State
