Security forces eliminate five militants, apprehend alleged abduction suspect in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have successfully neutralized five suspected terrorists and apprehended a suspected kidnapper, while also dismantling several hideouts used by criminals in Plateau State, all in a bid to maintain law and order.

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This was achieved through a collaborative effort with local vigilantes, targeting areas in Wase, Qua’an Pan, and Shendam Local Government Areas known to be frequented by insurgents.

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According to Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, intensive clearance operations were conducted on Saturday in villages such as Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi, all located within the Dutsen Zaki forest.

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During a patrol along the Babangida-Adua road, the joint team encountered armed terrorists, leading to a fierce gun battle, which resulted in the neutralization of two suspects, while others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.

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A subsequent search of the area yielded a locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass, all of which were recovered by the troops.

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In a separate operation on Sunday, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted four suspected terrorists in the Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area at around 7:45am, where the suspects were found in possession of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

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While attempting to dismantle the suspects' hideout, the troops came under heavy fire from associates of the terrorists, leading to an exchange of gunfire, during which three of the four arrested suspects were killed by their colleagues' gunfire as they tried to escape.

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Later that morning, at about 9:35am, troops collaborated with local residents to arrest a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village in Shendam Local Government Area, who is linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on April 3, 2026.

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The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing further investigation, as the military authorities continue to work towards restoring peace and security in the region.

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The operations conducted by Operation Enduring Peace underscore the commitment of the Nigerian Army and its local partners to maintaining law and order in Plateau State.

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Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies, as clearance operations continue across the state.