Troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intensified operations against gunrunners, kidnappers and other armed criminal elements across Kaduna and Plateau States, leading to the interception of illegal firearms, arrest of wanted suspects and the rescue of four kidnapped victims.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement outlining the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s ongoing military operations for the period covering 10 to 16 July 2026.
According to the statement, on 13 July 2026, troops intercepted a vehicle suspected to be transporting illegal arms at the Samaru checkpoint in Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
During the operation, one suspect was arrested, while another sustained gunshot injuries after attempting to escape. The wounded suspect was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Troops recovered three locally fabricated rifles and four submachine guns, which were allegedly supplied by arms dealers in Plateau State for onward transportation to Niger State.
In a separate operation on 14 July, troops arrested a wanted suspect, Abdulrazaq Mohammed, at Rafiki village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The suspect is linked to previous attacks and killings of residents in Sabon Gida and Twin Hill communities.
Also on the same day, troops responded swiftly to reports of a highway blockade mounted by suspected kidnappers along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The prompt intervention led to the rescue of two kidnap victims from nearby bushes, while two other abductees who had earlier been held by the kidnappers were subsequently rescued.
The Defence Headquarters said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their resolve to sustain coordinated security operations across the North Central region to disrupt criminal networks, curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ensure the safety of lives and property.
