Troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE have intensified offensive operations against terrorist elements in Plateau State, neutralising several suspected terrorists, foiling an alleged gun-running operation, and recovering locally fabricated rifles in a series of coordinated operations across Jos South, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operations form part of the military’s sustained campaign to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security within the Operation ENDURING PEACE Joint Operations Area.
The first operation was conducted in the early hours of June 26 at the Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected terrorists in the area.
Military authorities said troops came under heavy fire from terrorists who allegedly used livestock as cover during the confrontation. The troops held their ground and called for reinforcements, whose timely arrival forced the attackers to retreat. The soldiers subsequently launched a pursuit operation, neutralising several of the fleeing suspects while others escaped. Troops thereafter carried out extensive combing of the surrounding area to destroy terrorist hideouts and track down the fleeing elements.
Later the same day, at about 10:00 a.m., troops deployed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle conveying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area towards Maijanki in Barkin Ladi.
On sighting the military checkpoint, the two passengers reportedly abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes. Troops arrested the motorcycle rider and recovered the abandoned bag, which contained three locally fabricated rifles.
During preliminary interrogation, the rider claimed he had picked up the fleeing passengers from Kuba and was unaware of their destination. The suspect, the recovered weapons and the motorcycle have been taken into custody for further investigation.
In a related operation on June 30, troops acting on credible intelligence ambushed suspected terrorists who had reportedly assembled in the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountain axis of Jos South Local Government Area.
The military disclosed that five suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, while others fled after abandoning their mission. Preliminary battle damage assessment, corroborated by local community members, indicated that some of those neutralised had been on the military’s wanted list for allegedly masterminding several deadly attacks in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
In another encounter in the early hours of July 2, troops providing security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area, repelled an attempted terrorist attack on the facility.
Military authorities said the attackers breached the institute’s perimeter through a low section of the fence under the cover of darkness before opening fire on troops on sentry duty.
The soldiers responded swiftly, killing one of the suspected terrorists while the remaining attackers escaped. The body of the deceased suspect has been handed over to the police, while recovered arms and ammunition remain in military custody. Troops have since intensified patrols and security dominance within the area.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area. The Joint Task Force also assured residents of its renewed resolve to protect lives and property and restore lasting peace across Plateau State.
