Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled a planned bandit attack on communities in Plateau State, neutralising five bandits and recovering arms and ammunition.
Acting Media Information Officer JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Joshua Atu John, Disclosed on Saturday that the success followed a series of sustained operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area (JOA) under Operation PEACE.
he said the Troops in an intelligence-led ambush carried out in the early hours of 1 January 2026, engaged bandits who had mobilised from Dutsen Zaki towards Odare Forest in Wase Local Government Area, reportedly with the intent to attack neighbouring communities.
An ensuing firefight, resulted in the neutralization of five bandits and others fleeing with gunshot injuries.
Items recovered from the scene include two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two machetes and one knife, even as the troops are currently conducting follow-up operations to track down the fleeing suspects.
The General Officer, Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General EF Oyinlola, reassured law-abiding residents of Plateau State and other areas within the Division’s Area of Responsibility, of the military’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
He warned criminals operating within the Joint Operations Area to desist from all unlawful activities or face decisive military action, as troops remain alert and prepared to respond to any threats to peace and stability in the state.
