Troops kill six terrorists, recover arms in Plateau

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…Confirm Attack on NIPSS

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By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised six suspected terrorists in separate operations across Plateau State, recovered locally fabricated rifles and confirmed the latest attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where one suspected attacker was killed.

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The Joint Task Force disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by its Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, saying the operations were part of ongoing offensive measures against terrorist elements operating within the Joint Operations Area.

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According to the statement, troops of Sector 6, acting on intelligence, stormed Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area on June 26 following reports of criminal activities by suspected terrorists in the area.

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The troops reportedly came under fire from the terrorists, who used livestock as cover during the exchange of gunfire.

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Reinforcements were immediately deployed, forcing the suspects to abandon their hideout.

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Troops pursued the fleeing terrorists, neutralising some of them, while others escaped. The military said follow-up operations were ongoing to dismantle the criminals’ camps.

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In a related operation on the same day, troops of Sector 5 intercepted a motorcycle conveying two passengers from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area to Maijanki in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

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The passengers reportedly abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops.

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A search of the bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles, while the motorcycle rider was arrested for investigation.

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The military said the rider claimed he merely transported the fleeing suspects and had no knowledge of their mission.

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Similarly, troops acting on intelligence on June 30 ambushed suspected terrorists massing around the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountains in Jos South Local Government Area.

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Five of the suspects were killed during the operation, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

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According to the military’s preliminary battle damage assessment, corroborated by members of the community, indicated that some of those killed had been on the command’s wanted list for allegedly masterminding several attacks in Jos South and Bassa local government areas.

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The task force also confirmed Wednesday night’s attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area.

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It said troops deployed to secure the institute came under attack at about 11 p.m. from suspected terrorists who breached the perimeter through a low section of the fence under the cover of darkness.

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The troops, however, responded swiftly, killing one of the attackers while others fled.

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The statement added that the body of the neutralised suspect had been handed over to the police for further investigation, while recovered arms and ammunition were in military custody.

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Operation Enduring Peace reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of operation in Plateau State and assured residents of sustained efforts to protect lives and property and restore lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.

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