Troops Foil Fresh Attacks In Plateau, Arrest Impostors Disguised As Security Operatives

Days after a deadly attack claiming about 28 lives on Palm Sunday, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, have recorded a major operational success in Plateau State, arresting suspected impostors and neutralising armed elements in separate operations across Jos North and Wase Local Government Areas of
Plateau State.

According to a statement posted on the Headquarters Nigerian Army’s verified Facebook page on Friday afternoon, the breakthrough followed a targeted night operation aimed at restoring calm after recent violence in parts of the state.

The statement, signed by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said troops responded to a distress call at about 11:45 p.m. on Thursday over sporadic gunfire in the Dutse Uku area of Jos North LGA.

“Vigilant troops responding to a distress call on sporadic shooting at Dutse Uku general area intercepted and apprehended two individuals masquerading as security operatives,” the statement read.

It added that the suspects, who were dressed in tactical black uniforms, were caught “actively participating in the arson of residential properties and the orchestration of violence within the community.”

The army noted that the suspects are currently in custody, while two injured persons were evacuated by troops to a medical facility and were in stable condition.

Describing the arrests as significant, the military said the development countered allegations of involvement by security personnel in the unrest.

“This pivotal arrest serves as a direct rebuttal to recent allegations suggesting military complicity in the Jos North unrest, effectively proving that the atrocities previously attributed to official personnel are being committed by criminal elements using deceptive attire to sow discord and defame the Armed Forces,” the statement said.

In a related operation in Karem, Wase Local Government Area of the State, troops reportedly engaged suspected terrorists moving in large numbers on motorcycles.

“Upon being engaged by the military, the insurgents fled under the pressure of sustained combat. In the engagement, three of the terrorists were successfully neutralised,” the statement added.

The army attributed the recent successes to the deployment of additional troops, including specialised counter-terrorism units, ordered by the Chief of Army Staff earlier on Thursday.

It described the reinforcement as a “decisive game-changer,” noting that it has strengthened security operations and improved control in volatile areas.

“The immediate impact of these additional boots on the ground has acted as a decisive game-changer, bolstering the state’s security architecture and restoring proactive control over volatile zones,” the statement said.

The military also issued a warning to criminal elements operating in the state, vowing intensified operations.

“All hoodlums, insurgents, and criminal syndicates currently operating within the state will be ruthlessly dealt with, as the military remains resolute in its mission to eliminate all threats to public peace,” it added.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.

“Through continued cooperation and the current strategic offensive, the military remains committed to ensuring the permanent restoration of safety and order for all citizens,” the statement added.