By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, operating under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have foiled a planned attack on communities in Plateau State, neutralising several bandits and recovering arms and ammunition during a sustained offensive operation aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.
The operation, which formed part of the ongoing Operation Peace Shield, was carried out in the early hours of 1 January 2026 following actionable intelligence on the movement of armed bandits. According to an official statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Joshua Atu John, the troops laid an ambush after receiving intelligence that bandits had mobilised from the Dutsen Zaki axis towards Odare Forest in Wase Local Government Area with the intention of launching coordinated attacks on adjoining communities.
Captain John disclosed that troops made contact with the bandits during the ambush, leading to a fierce firefight in which five of the criminals were neutralised, while several others fled into surrounding areas with gunshot wounds. He added that the timely action of the troops effectively disrupted the planned attacks and prevented what could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property in the affected communities.
Items recovered from the neutralised bandits during the operation included two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, as well as two machetes and a knife, underscoring the violent intent of the criminals. The statement noted that troops are currently conducting follow-up operations and are on the trail of the fleeing bandits to ensure they are apprehended and the area is thoroughly sanitised.
Reacting to the success of the operation, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of the Joint Task Force 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 unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He emphasised that the 3 Division and the Joint Task Force would continue to sustain offensive operations against all forms of criminality in order to maintain peace and stability across the state.
Major General Oyinlola also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, noting that such cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing operations against banditry and other security threats.
The military authorities further issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating within the Joint Operations Area to desist from all illegal activities or be prepared to face decisive military action, stressing that troops remain vigilant, combat-ready and fully prepared to respond to any threats to peace and stability in Plateau State.
