Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, recorded major gains in separate operations in Jos North and Wase Local Government Areas, intercepting criminal elements and neutralising armed militants in late-night offensives on Thursday.
According to the Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the breakthroughs followed swift responses to distress calls and the recent deployment of additional counter-terrorism troops ordered by the Chief of Army Staff.
The operations come amid heightened tensions in Plateau State following the recent Palm Sunday killings in Jos, where gunmen attacked communities, leaving scores dead and many others injured. The incident triggered widespread outrage and intensified calls for stronger security presence to curb recurring violence in the area.
In Jos North, troops responding to reports of sporadic gunfire around 11:45 p.m. at Dutse Uku intercepted and arrested two individuals posing as security operatives. The suspects, dressed in black tactical uniforms, were allegedly involved in burning homes and orchestrating attacks within the community. Two injured victims were also evacuated to a medical facility and are reported to be in stable condition.
The arrest is seen as countering allegations of military involvement in the unrest, with authorities maintaining that criminal elements have been disguising themselves in security attire to perpetrate violence and discredit the armed forces.
In a related operation in Karem, Wase Local Government Area, troops engaged a group of terrorists moving on motorcycles. Following a firefight, three of the assailants were neutralised, while others fled under sustained military pressure.
The military said the recent reinforcement of troops has significantly strengthened operational control across volatile areas, warning that all criminal elements would be decisively dealt with.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, as efforts continue to restore lasting peace across the state.
