Troops kill two suspects, arrest kidnapper in Plateau operations

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of operation Enduring Peace have killed two suspected militants, arrested a kidnap suspect and dismantled criminal hideouts during a series of security operations in Plateau State.

In a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, media information officer for Operation Enduring Peace, the military said the operations were carried out on 4 and 5 April under the special mandate of Operation Wutan Daji.

The army said troops, working with local vigilantes, launched clearance operations in parts of Wase Local Government Area, targeting areas including Babangida, Adua and Bokayi villages within the Dutsen Zaki forest.

During one operation along the Babangida–Adua road, troops engaged armed men in a firefight, killing two suspects, while others reportedly fled with gunshot wounds. Weapons recovered from
the scene included a locally made firearm, 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a cutlass.

In a separate operation in Namu district of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, troops acting on intelligence intercepted four suspected militants and recovered 100 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

The military said that during a follow-up attempt to dismantle the suspects’ hideout, troops came under heavy fire. Amid the exchange, three of the arrested suspects were killed by gunfire from their associates while attempting to escape.

Elsewhere, in Shendam Local Government Area, troops working with local residents arrested a man suspected to be linked to a kidnapping carried out on 3 April in Gidan Mangoro village. He remains in custody pending further investigation.

The military said the operations demonstrate its continued efforts, alongside local partners, to restore security in Plateau State, and urgedresidents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.