Gunmen Killed as Troops Sustain Offensive in Barkin Ladi

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have neutralised two armed gunmen in an ambush operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operation was carried out on the evening of April 21, 2026, near Doruwa Babuje in the Marit general area following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected criminals.

The statement said the gunmen, known for attacks, sexual assault and armed robbery in surrounding communities, were intercepted at about 7:49pm when troops laid an ambush on their route.

During the exchange of fire, two of the suspects were killed, while others escaped into nearby bushes under cover of darkness.

Items recovered from the scene include a locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a cutlass, a jackknife and a mobile phone. The task force said troops have remained deployed in Marit and Lajam villages to secure the area, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

It added that Operation ENDURING PEACE remains committed to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.