By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) conducting Operation Peace Shield have recorded another round of significant operational successes against criminal elements in Kaduna State, neutralising suspects in firefights, rescuing a kidnapped victim and recovering arms, ammunition and logistics.
The successes were achieved during a series of intelligence-led operations carried out on Tuesday, 13 January, and Wednesday, 14 January 2026, across parts of Kaura Local Government Area. The Acting Media Information Officer of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Joshua Atu John, disclosed this in an official statement, noting that the operations form part of sustained efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.
On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, troops of Sector 7 JTF OPEP received credible information on the kidnapping and rape of a girl in Kajim Village, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops mobilised and pursued the kidnappers, eventually making contact with them. In the ensuing firefight, three criminals identified as Yusuf Musa, Auwal Adamu and Kamal Abdul were neutralised.
The kidnapped victim was successfully rescued, debriefed by the troops and reunited with her family, bringing an end to her ordeal and restoring calm to the affected community.
In a related operation on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, troops of Sector 7 JTF OPEP raided a suspected armed robbers’ hideout on the outskirts of Kaura town. During the operation, the troops made contact with the criminals and, in a meeting engagement, neutralised four suspects later identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, 35; Ibrahim Isa, 37; Suleiman Auwal, 25; and Suleiman Tahiru.
Items recovered from the scene included one fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles believed to have been used for criminal operations. Preliminary investigations revealed that the neutralised suspects were members of a criminal syndicate responsible for kidnapping, armed robbery and other heinous crimes along the Ganawuri–Manchok corridor.
Captain Atu John reaffirmed that JTF Operation Enduring Peace remains resolute in sustaining pressure on criminal elements, assuring that the task force will continue to intensify operations to safeguard lives and property and ensure the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across the Joint Operations Area.
