By Zainab Bakare
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intensified offensive operations against suspected terrorists in Plateau State, killing several suspects and recovering weapons in a series of coordinated operations across Jos South and neighbouring communities.
According to a statement by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Oteh, troops of Sector 6 launched an intelligence-led operation at Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area on June 26.
During the operation, soldiers came under fire from suspected terrorists who allegedly used livestock as cover. Reinforcements were deployed, forcing the attackers to retreat. Several suspects were neutralised, while others escaped with injuries.
On the same day, troops of Sector 5 at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area. The suspects abandoned a bag containing three locally fabricated rifles and fled into nearby bushes. The motorcycle rider was arrested for further investigation.
In a separate operation on June 30, troops acting on intelligence ambushed suspected terrorists around Rafin Bauna and the Gero mountains in Jos South, killing five. The military said some of those killed were on its wanted list for previous attacks in Jos South and Bassa local government areas.
On July 1, troops deployed at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, also repelled an overnight attack after armed men breached the facility’s perimeter fence. One attacker was killed during the gun battle, while others fled. Weapons and ammunition were recovered.
The military said sustained patrols, surveillance and intelligence-driven operations will continue across the Joint Operations Area to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in Plateau State.
