Military Unleashes Offensive, Neutralizes Terrorists, Seizes Illegal Rifles in Plateau
By Passman Akpos
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intensified offensive operations against suspected terrorist elements in Plateau State, neutralizing several suspects, recovering locally fabricated rifles, and arresting a suspected gun runner in a series of coordinated military operations across Jos South, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, the operations were carried out following intelligence reports on terrorist activities within the Joint Operations Area.
The military disclosed that in the early hours of Friday, June 26, troops of Sector 6 launched an operation at the Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area after receiving reports of suspected terrorist activities in the area.
The troops reportedly came under heavy gunfire from suspected terrorists, who allegedly used livestock as cover during the confrontation. Reinforcements were immediately deployed, forcing the attackers to retreat. Troops pursued the fleeing suspects, neutralizing several of them while others escaped into nearby bushes. Security forces subsequently conducted extensive combing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and tracking down fleeing members of the group.
In a related operation later that same day, troops stationed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area toward Maijanki in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Military authorities said the passengers abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes upon sighting security personnel at the checkpoint. The motorcycle rider was arrested, while a search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles.
Preliminary interrogation indicated that the rider claimed he merely picked up the fleeing passengers from Kuba and was unaware of their intended destination. The suspect, recovered firearms, and motorcycle remain in military custody pending further investigation.
In another major operation conducted on Tuesday, June 30, troops acting on credible intelligence ambushed suspected terrorists gathering around the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountain axis in Jos South Local Government Area. The military said five suspected terrorists were neutralized during the encounter, while others fled in disarray, abandoning their planned mission
According to the military, battlefield assessments and information provided by community members suggested that some of those killed had been on the command’s wanted list for allegedly masterminding multiple attacks in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Area.
The latest confrontation occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 2, when troops on guard duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos South, came under attack after suspected terrorists allegedly breached the facility’s perimeter under the cover of darkness.
Security personnel swiftly responded, killing one suspected attacker while forcing others to flee. The body of the deceased suspect has been handed over to the police, while recovered arms and ammunition remain in military custody.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against criminal and terrorist elements across Plateau State, assuring residents of continued efforts to safeguard lives, protect property, and restore lasting peace throughout the Joint Operations Area.
