July 2 (THEWILL) — Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have neutralised six terrorists, arrested a suspected gun runner, and recovered three locally fabricated rifles in a series of coordinated operations across Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State
The Joint Task Force disclosed the successes in an operational update issued on Thursday by its Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, who said the operations formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves and restore lasting peace across the state.
According to the statement, one of the operations was conducted in the early hours of June 26 at Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists in the area.
As troops approached the suspected hideout, they reportedly came under heavy gunfire from the terrorists, who used livestock as cover during the attack.
Rather than retreat, the troops held their position and called for reinforcements. The arrival of additional personnel forced the terrorists to abandon their positions and flee.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation, neutralising some of the fleeing terrorists while others escaped into nearby bushes. Soldiers thereafter conducted extensive combing operations to dismantle the terrorists’ enclaves and track down those who fled.
In a related development later that day, at about 10:00 a.m., troops of Sector 5 deployed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area towards Maijanki in Barkin Ladi.
On sighting the military checkpoint, the two passengers reportedly threw away a bag and fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind the motorcycle rider.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles.
The rider was arrested and, during preliminary interrogation, claimed he had picked up the fleeing passengers from Kuba without knowledge of their intended destination or mission.
The suspect, recovered firearms and motorcycle are currently in military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
In another successful operation carried out on June 30, troops acting on credible intelligence concerning the gathering of suspected terrorists within the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountains in Jos South Local Government Area laid a successful ambush on the group.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of five suspected terrorists, while others fled in disarray and abandoned their mission.
According to the military, battlefield assessment, corroborated by members of the local community, revealed that some of those killed had been on the command’s wanted list for allegedly masterminding several deadly attacks in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The latest successes came barely two days after troops stationed at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, repelled an attempted terrorist attack on the institution.
The military said the attack occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday when suspected terrorists breached the institute’s perimeter through a low section of the fence under the cover of darkness and opened fire on soldiers on sentry duty.
The troops responded swiftly, neutralising one of the attackers while the others escaped.
The body of the slain suspect has been handed over to the police for further necessary action, while arms and ammunition recovered during the encounter remain in military custody.
Troops have continued to dominate the area through aggressive patrols aimed at preventing any renewed attacks.
Captain Oteh said Operation ENDURING PEACE remained resolute in denying terrorist elements freedom of action within its joint operations area.
He reassured residents of Plateau State that the military and other security agencies would sustain deliberate offensive operations to safeguard lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and restore enduring peace across the state.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
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