By Nkechi Eze
Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised an armed militia who attempted to disarm a soldier during a follow-up operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident followed the arrest of the militia on 4 September 2025 at Kaskra in Barkin Ladi, where he was found in possession of one AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. According to an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the suspect confessed to participating in multiple criminal activities within Barkin Ladi general area and volunteered to lead troops to the hideout of his cohorts for possible recovery of weapons.
Major Zhakom explained that on 5 September 2025, troops proceeded on the follow-up mission to the identified hideout. However, during the search operation, the militia made a desperate attempt to snatch the rifle of a soldier in a bid to escape. “Troops acted swiftly and neutralised the militia in the process,” Zhakom stated, adding that the remains of the criminal have since been deposited in the morgue.
The Media Information Officer reaffirmed that troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace remain resolute in the ongoing operations to rid Plateau and surrounding areas of criminal elements. “Troops of 3 Division/JTF OPEP are leading the charge against armed criminals, and will not relent until the entire Joint Operations Area is fully secured from these miscreants,” he assured.
