Troops of the Joint Task Force North Central under Operations Enduring Peace and Savannah Shield have recorded significant successes in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across several states, neutralising scores of terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering arms and logistics.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja revealed that sustained offensives across Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kwara, and Niger States have strengthened military presence in vulnerable communities and key transit corridors, disrupting criminal networks and restoring confidence among residents.
In Plateau State, troops conducted a series of coordinated operations in Wase and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas. On April 3, forces engaged terrorists around Kerem, neutralising three insurgents, while others fled. Further operations on April 9 between Dutsen Zaki and Odare Forest resulted in the neutralisation of 10 terrorists, with several others escaping with gunshot wounds. Recovered items included rifles, motorcycles, and fuel supplies.
In a major breakthrough at Daji Madam Forest, troops destroyed multiple terrorist camps, including a notorious enclave linked to a criminal leader, and successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims. Additional recoveries included weapons, ammunition, generators, and solar equipment used by the criminals.
Operations in Benue State also yielded results as troops apprehended two suspected terrorist collaborators in Vandeikya LGA. The suspects led troops to a hideout, where contact was made with fleeing terrorists. Recovered items included AK-47 magazines and ammunition.
In Kogi State, troops intercepted and rescued a kidnapped victim, identified as Saheed Sule, who escaped from his abductors after being held since April 1. He was safely reunited with his family. Troops also neutralised several terrorists in ambush operations along Lokoja and Yagba West corridors, recovering weapons, motorcycles, and cash.
Meanwhile, in Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State, troops intercepted suspected terrorists in possession of 100 rounds of ammunition. A subsequent engagement led to the neutralisation of three of the suspects after troops came under attack while pursuing other members of the syndicate.
Further successes were recorded in Barkin Ladi, where troops foiled an attempted terrorist attack along the Razat/Kafi Abu Road, recovering AK-47 rifles and ammunition. Additionally, a suspected mastermind behind killings and cattle rustling in the area was apprehended and is currently in custody.
Under Operation Savannah Shield, troops operating in Kwara State repelled an attack on a patrol base in Pategi LGA without casualties. Recovered items included ammunition, magazines, and personal effects belonging to the attackers. Security forces have since heightened alert levels to prevent further incursions.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the North-Central region, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
