Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intensified offensive operations against terrorist groups in Plateau State, neutralising several suspects, recovering illegal firearms, and repelling a fresh midnight attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
This was contained in a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE and made available to The News Chronicle.
According to the Joint Task Force, the latest operations were carried out across Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas following sustained intelligence on terrorist activities.
The operation began in the early hours of June 26, when troops of Sector 6 launched a clearance mission at Gero Highground in Jos South LGA after receiving reports that suspected terrorists had established a hideout in the area.
As troops advanced towards the location, they came under heavy gunfire from the terrorists, who allegedly used livestock as cover during the exchange.
The soldiers held their ground and called for reinforcements. With additional troops arriving promptly, the terrorists were forced to abandon their position and retreat.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit, killing several of the fleeing suspects while others escaped into surrounding forests. Security forces have since continued aggressive combing operations to flush out the remaining terrorists and dismantle their camps.
In a related operation later that morning, at about 10:00 a.m., troops of Sector 5 stationed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos LGA towards Barkin Ladi.
On sighting the military checkpoint, the two passengers allegedly threw away a bag and fled into nearby bushes.
Troops recovered the abandoned bag and arrested the motorcycle rider. A search of the bag uncovered three locally fabricated rifles.
During preliminary interrogation, the rider claimed he had merely picked up the fleeing passengers in Kuba and was unaware of their mission. The suspect, recovered weapons and motorcycle are now in military custody for further investigation.
In another major breakthrough on June 30, troops acting on credible intelligence ambushed suspected terrorists who had reportedly assembled in the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountain axis of Jos South LGA.
The operation resulted in the killing of five suspected terrorists, while several others escaped under intense military pressure.
Battlefield assessments, corroborated by local residents, indicated that some of those neutralised had been on the military’s wanted list for allegedly masterminding a series of deadly attacks across Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Meanwhile, troops on guard duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, successfully foiled another terrorist attack in the early hours of July 2.
The attackers reportedly breached the institute’s perimeter fence under the cover of darkness and opened fire on security personnel at about 12:10 a.m.
Troops responded swiftly, killing one of the attackers and forcing the others to flee.
The military said the body of the neutralised suspect has been handed over to the police, while recovered arms and ammunition remain in military custody. Troops have also intensified patrols around the area to prevent further attacks.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace, Operation ENDURING PEACE said it remains resolute in denying terrorist groups freedom of action across its Joint Operations Area and assured residents that ongoing operations will continue until lasting security is achieved.
