By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have sustained operational momentum against criminal elements across Kaduna and Plateau States, neutralising several kidnappers, rescuing abducted victims and foiling planned attacks in a series of coordinated operations conducted between 11 and 13 December 2025.
The latest successes were recorded during ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD, aimed at dismantling kidnapping and banditry networks within the joint operations area. In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the troops’ actions were described as decisive and intelligence-driven.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 5 (Sub-Sector 4) on 11 December 2025 carried out an offensive clearance operation on identified kidnappers’ hideouts in Dangoma and Godogodo villages of Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The operation followed persistent reports of kidnapping activities in the area. During the mission, troops made contact with the criminals, leading to a gun battle in which three notorious kidnappers were neutralised. Other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding areas with gunshot wounds, while troops have continued follow-up efforts to track and apprehend them.
In another operation on 12 December 2025, troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 1) executed a covert mission targeting a notorious bandit, kidnapper and gunrunner responsible for multiple cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and related crimes within Bassa and Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State. The suspect was intercepted along the Jebbu–Gada Biu road in Bassa LGA. Upon encountering the troops, he reportedly opened fire but was swiftly neutralised. Items recovered from the suspect included a pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dagger, a mobile phone and a large sum of money, all of which have been taken into custody.
On 13 December 2025, troops also acted swiftly on credible intelligence indicating an impending attack at Gidan-Saki Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The prompt response by troops disrupted the criminal plan, forcing the suspects to abandon the operation and flee into nearby bushes. Troops have since intensified efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing criminals.
In a related operation on the same day, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Jengre in Plateau State conducted a well-coordinated ambush following the kidnapping of four persons at Rimi Village, Jere District, Bassa LGA. The troops laid an ambush along the kidnappers’ withdrawal route, leading to a brief firefight. During the encounter, one kidnapper was neutralised, while the remaining criminals fled, abandoning the abducted victims. All four victims were rescued alive. Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The rescued victims were subsequently debriefed and reunited with their families.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements across Kaduna and Plateau States, stressing that operations will continue to be intensified to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens and the restoration of lasting peace within the joint operations area.
