Troops Foil Planned Attacks in Plateau on New Year’s Day, killed 5 Terrorists

The Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) foiled planned attacks by bandits on communities in Plateau State on New Year’s Day and in the process killed 5 terrorists as others fled with various degrees of injuries.

In the encounter, troops recovered assorted weapons. A statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Saturday by Acting Media Information Officer JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Joshua Atu John, disclosed this.

Battle ensued when the troops in the early hours of January 1 conducted sustained offensive operations as part of the ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELDS in the area.

According to it, during the intelligence-led ambush operation, the troops made contact with bandits who had mobilized from Dutsen Zaki towards Odare Forest in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State with the intention of attacking adjoining communities in the area.

It further explained that during the firefight, troops neutralised 5 bandits while others fled and, in addition, recovered assorted weapons abandoned by the hoodlums

Assorted Weapons recovered, according to the statement, included the following:
2 AK-47 rifle magazines containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, 2 machetes, and one knife while the troops are currently on the trail of the fleeing bandits.

The statement further added that the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola, assured law-abiding residents of the State and other Areas of Responsibility (AOR) about the ongoing efforts of the Service in safeguarding lives and properties within the AOR.

He also urged the members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies and warned criminals operating within the Joint Operations Area (JOA) to cease all criminal activities or face decisive military action, as troops remained vigilant and prepared to address any potential security threats to peace and stability in the state.