Troops Kill Terrorists, Foil Attack on NIPSS, Recover Illegal Rifles in Plateau
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE have recorded a series of operational successes across Plateau State, neutralizing several suspected terrorists, foiling an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), arresting a suspected gun runner, and recovering locally fabricated rifles during coordinated operations.
Military authorities said the operations formed part of sustained offensives against terrorist groups operating within the Joint Operations Area.
The first operation took place in the early hours of June 26 at Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area following intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists. As troops approached the area, they came under fire from the suspects, who allegedly used livestock as cover during the exchange.
Reinforcements were deployed to the scene, compelling the terrorists to withdraw. Troops pursued the fleeing suspects, neutralized an unspecified number of them, and continued clearance operations to dismantle their hideouts.
In a related operation later that day, troops stationed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area toward Barkin Ladi. On sighting the military checkpoint, the passengers reportedly abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes.
A search of the bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles, while the motorcycle rider was arrested. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect claimed he had picked up the fleeing passengers in Kuba and was unaware of their destination. The recovered firearms, motorcycle, and suspect remain in military custody as investigations continue.
In another operation conducted on June 30, troops acting on intelligence ambushed suspected terrorists who had reportedly assembled around the Rafin Bauna and Gero mountain areas of Jos South Local Government Area. Five suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, while others escaped.
Military sources said preliminary battlefield assessment, supported by information from community members, indicated that some of those killed had been on the military's wanted list for allegedly coordinating repeated attacks in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Meanwhile, troops deployed to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, successfully repelled an attempted terrorist attack in the early hours of July 2.
According to the military, the attackers breached the facility's perimeter through a section of low fencing under the cover of darkness before opening fire on troops on sentry duty. Security personnel immediately returned fire, killing one of the attackers, while others fled the scene.
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 around the facility to prevent further attacks.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups across Plateau State and assured residents that efforts to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and restore lasting peace would continue.
