Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intensified their offensive against terrorist elements in Plateau State, neutralising several suspects in separate operations, arresting a suspected gunrunner and recovering locally fabricated rifles during coordinated security operations across Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

The military said the operations, conducted between June 26 and July 1, were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves, disrupt criminal networks and restore lasting peace within the Joint Operations Area.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops of Sector 6 launched an operation on June 26 at Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area following intelligence reports of terrorist activities in the area.

The statement said the troops came under heavy gunfire from terrorists, who allegedly used livestock as cover during the encounter.

“Approaching the Highground, the troops came under fire from the terrorists’ hideout, who were using livestock as a shield. Troops immediately held their position and called for reinforcement. The timely arrival of the reinforcement forced the terrorists to withdraw from the engagement area,” the statement said.

It added that the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists, neutralised some of them and continued combing the surrounding area to dismantle their hideouts and prevent their regrouping.

In a related operation on the same day, troops deployed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle conveying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area towards Barkin Ladi.

The military said the passengers abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes after sighting security personnel at a checkpoint.

“A thorough search of the abandoned bag led to the discovery of three locally fabricated rifles. The motorcycle rider was arrested and, during preliminary interrogation, stated that he picked up the fleeing passengers from Kuba without knowledge of their destination,” the statement added.

The suspect, the recovered firearms and the motorcycle are currently in military custody for further investigation, according to the military.

In another operation on June 30, troops acting on credible intelligence ambushed suspected terrorists gathered in the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountains in Jos South Local Government Area.

The military said five suspected terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while others escaped.

According to the statement, a preliminary battle damage assessment and information from members of the community indicated that some of those killed had been on the military’s wanted list for allegedly masterminding several attacks in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.

The military also reported another encounter on the night of July 1, when suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, through a breached section of the perimeter fence under the cover of darkness.

The statement said troops on sentry duty immediately engaged the attackers after coming under fire.

“Troops swiftly engaged the terrorists and neutralised one of them while others fled. The body of the neutralised terrorist has been handed over to the police for further necessary action. Arms and ammunition recovered are currently in custody, while troops are dominating the area with aggressive patrols,” Captain Oteh said.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, Operation Enduring Peace assured residents that troops would sustain aggressive operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action across Plateau State.

“The Joint Task Force remains unwavering in its determination to deny terrorist elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area and reassures citizens of renewed efforts towards securing lives and property as well as restoring the desired peace,” the statement added. (Channels)

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