Troops of the Nigerian military have recorded another operational success in Plateau State, neutralising 13 suspected terrorists during intensified clearance operations across Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas.
The offensive, conducted under Operation Wutan Daji on April 9, targeted known terrorist corridors spanning Daba and Seri villages—areas identified as critical transit and logistics routes for armed groups operating within the state and adjoining regions.
Security sources disclosed that the operation commenced at about 8:30 a.m., with troops deploying advanced blocking tactics along the Dutsen Zaki–Odare Forest axis. The manoeuvre aimed to intercept armed elements attempting to navigate through the forested terrain using motorcycles.
Contact was established shortly after deployment, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the engagement, troops successfully overpowered the insurgents, neutralising several on the spot, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
Subsequent exploitation of the area confirmed that no fewer than 13 terrorists were neutralised, marking a significant disruption to the group’s operational capability within the corridor.
Recovered items from the scene included two motorcycles, five 25-litre containers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), one AK-47 rifle, and a magazine loaded with three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition—indicative of the group’s mobility structure and supply chain.
Military authorities noted that clearance operations remain ongoing, with troops advancing deeper into surrounding forests believed to serve as escape routes and regrouping points for fleeing elements.
The latest operation underscores a strategic shift towards aggressive interdiction tactics, particularly the use of blocking positions to deny armed groups freedom of movement and access to critical logistics. Analysts say this approach is increasingly proving effective in fragmenting terrorist cells and limiting their operational reach.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining the momentum of ongoing offensives, with assurances that further updates will be communicated as operations continue across Plateau’s volatile forest belts.
Source/ Zagazola
