By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intensified offensive operations against terrorist elements in Plateau State, neutralising several suspects, recovering illegal weapons and foiling attacks in a series of coordinated operations across Jos South, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas.
One of the major highlights of the operations was the successful repulsion of an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area, where troops on guard duty neutralised a suspected terrorist who breached the institution’s perimeter under the cover of darkness.
The Media Information Officer of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, disclosed the details in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that the troops had recorded significant successes against terrorist elements operating in parts of Plateau State.
According to the statement, one of the major operations was conducted in the early hours of June 26 at Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area following reports of suspicious and criminal activities by armed terrorists in the area.
Oteh said troops encountered resistance as they approached the hideout, with the terrorists opening fire while allegedly using livestock as cover. The troops held their ground and called for reinforcement, which arrived promptly and compelled the terrorists to abandon their positions.
The military spokesman stated that troops immediately launched a pursuit operation against the fleeing suspects, leading to the neutralisation of some of the terrorists, while others escaped into nearby terrain. He added that troops continued aggressive combing operations to track down the fleeing criminals and dismantle their camps.
In a related development on the same day, troops deployed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area towards Barkin Ladi.
The passengers reportedly abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes after sighting soldiers at a checkpoint. Troops recovered the bag and arrested the motorcycle rider for questioning.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles. Preliminary investigations indicated that the rider claimed he was unaware of the intentions of the passengers he had picked up from Kuba. The suspect, the motorcycle and the recovered firearms are currently in military custody for further investigation.
The statement further revealed that troops scored another major success on June 30 after acting on intelligence indicating that a large number of suspected terrorists had assembled around the Rafin Bauna and Gero mountain areas in Jos South Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly laid an ambush and engaged the suspects, killing five terrorists during the encounter while several others escaped in disarray and abandoned their mission.
Military sources said preliminary battlefield assessments, supported by information from local residents, suggested that some of the neutralised suspects were on the military’s wanted list for their alleged involvement in several attacks across Jos South and Bassa local government areas.
Oteh further disclosed that at about 12:10 a.m. on July 2, troops deployed at NIPSS, Kuru, came under attack from suspected terrorists who had breached part of the institution’s perimeter fence.
The troops responded swiftly, neutralising one of the attackers while forcing others to flee.
The body of the neutralised suspect has been handed over to the police, while recovered arms and ammunition remain in custody. Troops have since intensified patrols around the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the security of the strategic institution.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and other criminal elements across Plateau State, assuring residents that ongoing operations are aimed at protecting lives, securing communities and restoring lasting peace throughout the state.
