Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace, have raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Plateau State, killing suspected criminals and recovering dangerous weapons.
The operation, followed credible intelligence and targeted a criminal camp near Lantom Village in the Kadarko District of Wase Local Government Area.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Acting Military Information Officer of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Joshua Atu John, said four suspects were initially arrested during the raid.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects have been involved in recent crimes within the district,” Captain John said.
He disclosed that security operatives recovered a fabricated rifle, an axe and a machete from the hideout, while two accomplices escaped with an AK-47 rifle.
According to him, the arrested suspects later volunteered information that led troops to a hidden cache of arms and ammunition on the outskirts of Kadarko.
“However, in a desperate attempt to escape, the suspects tried to snatch the weapon of one of the soldiers while leading troops to the cache,” he said. “They were decisively neutralised.”
Captain John added that follow-up operations were ongoing to track down the fleeing gang members and recover the missing AK-47 rifle.
Reacting to the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Major General EF Oyinlola, praised the troops for their professionalism and bravery.
“I commend our troops for their gallantry and commitment to sustaining peace within the Joint Operations Area,” Oyinlola said. “We remain resolute in discharging our lawful mandate to safeguard lives and property.”
The army chief also urged residents of Plateau State to continue supporting security agencies with useful information.
“The cooperation of law-abiding citizens remains indispensable to the success of ongoing operations,” he added.
