Troops Neutralize Bandits and Recover Weapons in Plateau State Ambush

Recovered motor bike

Troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have intensified their crackdown on bandits in Plateau State, neutralizing criminals and recovering weapons in a series of successful operations.

On 16 September 2025, soldiers staged an intelligence-driven ambush along routes leading to Odare Forest in Dutsen Zaki, Wase Local Government Area (LGA). During the operation, troops made contact with bandits mounted on motorcycles. One bandit was neutralized, while others fled with gunshot wounds into the thick forest.

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A swift exploitation of the area led to the recovery of:

One motorcycle

Two mobile phones

A machete

Charms

All recovered items are in custody for further investigation.

Recovered phones, machete and charms 

Fresh Success in Wase and Kanam LGAs

In a related development, credible intelligence on bandit activities in Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa Villages (Wase and Kanam LGAs) prompted another offensive operation on 15 September 2025.

Troops intercepted the criminals at a known crossing point and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee in disarray. During the mop-up operation, the soldiers recovered:

One G3 rifle

One G3 magazine

Three rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition

Renewed Military Onslaught Against Banditry

The Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace has vowed to sustain its offensive against bandits and other criminal elements in the Joint Operations Area (JOA). The recent operations highlight the commitment of the Nigerian Army to deny bandits freedom of action, dismantle their networks, and restore peace across Plateau State.

According to Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer of JTF OPEP, the ongoing bombardment and targeted strikes reaffirm the troops’ mandate to neutralize armed criminals and bring perpetrators of violence to justice.

Recovered gun

Recovered gun

SAMSON NANTIP ZHAKOM

Major

Media Information Officer

JTF OPEP

17 September 2025

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