Troops Kill Terrorists, Arrest 4, Destroy Hideouts In Plateau

Troops operating under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, on 4 April 2026, neutralised two suspected terrorists, arrested four and dismantled several criminal hideouts during a series of intensive clearance operations in the Wase local government area of Plateau State.

A statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh, said the coordinated operations were carried out in partnership with local vigilantes and targeted known insurgent corridors across the Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the expansive Dutsen Zaki forest.

He said the troops, while traversing the Babangida–Adua road, engaged in a fierce firefight with a group of armed terrorists and eliminated two suspects, while several others retreated into the dense forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

According to him, following the encounter, a thorough search of the area yielded a significant recovery of arms and ammunition, including one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass.

He said troops stationed in the Namu District of Qua’an Pan local government area, in another tactical engagement in the early hours of Sunday, 5 April 2026, at approximately 7:45 am, acted on credible intelligence regarding the suspicious movement of armed individuals.

“The rapid mobilisation of the unit led to the successful interception of four suspected terrorists.”

He added that a thorough search of the suspects revealed that they were in possession of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Following the initial arrests, troops moved to locate and dismantle the suspects’ hideout, and during these manoeuvres, the unit came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. Amidst the ensuing chaos, 3 of the 4 apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were subsequently neutralised by the adversary’s own gunfire.

Relatedly, troops at about 9:35 am in Shendam local government area, collaborating with local residents, apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village.

“The individual is alleged to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on 3 April 2026.”

He said the suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and legal action.