Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Plateau State, arresting suspects, recovering weapons and neutralising others during a follow-up operation.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, was based on credible intelligence and targeted a hideout near Lantom Village in the Kadarko District of Wase Local Government Area. It was aimed at disrupting kidnapping and armed robbery activities within the area.
During the initial raid, four suspects were arrested, while a locally fabricated rifle, an axe and a machete were recovered. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to recent criminal activities in the district. Two other members of the gang reportedly escaped during the operation, making away with an AK-47 rifle.
According to military sources, the arrested suspects later volunteered information on the location of a concealed cache of arms and ammunition and agreed to lead troops to the site. However, while guiding soldiers to the location on the outskirts of Kadarko, the suspects allegedly attempted to disarm a soldier in a bid to escape and were subsequently neutralised by the troops.
The military said follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover the missing AK-47 rifle.
Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General EF Oyinlola, praised their gallantry and commitment to maintaining peace in the Joint Operations Area. He reaffirmed the resolve of the troops to protect lives and property and urged members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies to ensure the success of ongoing operations.
