Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops serving under Operation Enduring Peace, the Nigerian military’s joint task force deployed to address armed violence in the North‑Central region, have recorded significant tactical gains in Plateau State following a series of intensive clearance and security operations on 4 and 5 April 2026. The operations targeted insurgent corridors and criminal enclaves across multiple local government areas, resulting in the neutralisation of suspected terrorists, the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, and the dismantling of criminal hideouts.
According to a statement issued by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operations were conducted in Wase, Qua’an Pan, and Shendam Local Government Areas, where security forces have faced persistent threats from armed extremist groups and criminal networks linked to recent attacks in the state.
In Wase LGA, troops engaged a group of armed suspects along the Babangida–Adua road corridor, a known route used by armed elements in the Dutsen Zaki forest. The engagement escalated into a firefight during which soldiers’ superior positioning and firepower led to the neutralisation of at least two suspected terrorists. Other armed individuals reportedly fled deeper into the forest with gunshot wounds. At the scene, troops recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including a locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 30 rounds of special 7.62mm ammunition, and a cutlass.
In the Namu District of Qua’an Pan LGA, a separate element of the operation was launched after troops received intelligence about the movement of armed individuals. Soldiers intercepted four suspects who were found in possession of about 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. As troops moved to dismantle the suspects’ hideout, they came under heavy fire from associates believed to be linked to the group. During the ensuing chaos, three of the four suspects were reportedly shot and killed by their own comrades while attempting to escape.
The operation extended to Shendam LGA, where soldiers, in collaboration with local residents, arrested a man suspected of involvement in a kidnapping incident that occurred on 3 April 2026. The arrested suspect was taken into custody for further investigation by military authorities. Community members had initially apprehended him before troops arrived to prevent possible mob action against him.
The military’s clearance operations in Plateau are part of a broader strategy to deny violent armed groups freedom of movement, dismantle their hideouts, and prevent further attacks on communities that have endured cycles of violence, banditry, and kidnappings. These operations come amid escalating insecurity in parts of the state, including recent attacks by armed assailants that have claimed lives and disrupted livelihoods in communities such as Pwomol Village in Barkin Ladi LGA, where vigilante youths were killed in an overnight assault. Security forces have responded with increased deployments, patrols, stop‑and‑search operations, and targeted offensives.
In addition to engagements in rural areas, troops of Operation Enduring Peace have also conducted proactive stop‑and‑search operations in urban sections of Jos North and Jos South LGAs. These operations led to the arrest of two suspects found in possession of a fabricated AK‑47 rifle and related ammunition. The heightened security presence in metropolitan flashpoints is intended to prevent escalations of violence that have previously affected the city and surrounding communities.
The Nigerian Army has underscored that these tactical successes reflect its ongoing commitment to restoring peace and security in Plateau State. Capt. Oteh urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and movements, while authorities reaffirmed that operations will persist until threats from criminal networks are effectively neutralised.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the military’s actions, describing the operations as necessary to quell persistent insecurity in their communities. They have also called on government authorities to complement military efforts with long‑term strategies that address the root causes of conflict, including social and economic grievances, youth unemployment, and competition for resources. Analysts note that without integrated approaches combining security, development, and community engagement, isolated military gains may struggle to deliver lasting peace.
The recent neutralisations and arrests in Plateau are among a string of successes the Nigerian military has recorded in its nationwide efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime. Defence officials have highlighted operational achievements in multiple states, including the neutralisation of extremists, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of suspected criminal operatives, as part of a multi‑theatre strategy to safeguard communities and protect lives and property.
As investigations continue and detained suspects remain in custody, security agencies have assured the public that follow-up actions, including prosecutions and further intelligence-led operations, will be pursued. The developments in Plateau State demonstrate the continued intensity of security efforts within the region as authorities and local communities seek to break cycles of violence and create conditions for sustained stability.
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