Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under the banner of Operation Enduring Peace and in line with the special mandate of Operation Wutan Daji, have neutralized terrorists, dismantled criminal hideouts, and arrested a suspected kidnapper in Plateau State. The operations, carried out in partnership with local vigilante groups, are part of ongoing efforts to curb insurgency and criminal activities in the region.
On April 4, 2026, the military launched intensive clearance operations in Wase Local Government Area, targeting insurgent corridors across Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the dense Dutsen Zaki forest. These areas have, in recent times, been notorious for attacks by armed groups.
According to a statement by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, while patrolling the Babangida–Adua road, the joint force of army troops and local vigilantes engaged in a fierce firefight with a group of armed terrorists.
“The superior firepower of the troops resulted in the immediate neutralization of two suspects, while several others fled into the dense forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
During a subsequent search of the area, the army recovered a range of weapons 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. These seizures are expected to weaken the operational capacity of criminal elements in the area.
Following the success in Wase, the army continued operations in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area. On the morning of April 5, at approximately 7:45 am, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted four suspected terrorists in Namu District who were moving suspiciously through the area.
Upon thorough searches, the suspects were found in possession of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. In a subsequent attempt to dismantle the suspects’ hideout, the troops came under heavy fire from associates of the terrorists. During the ensuing chaos, three of the four suspects attempted to escape and were reportedly neutralized by their own associates’ gunfire, a rare but significant outcome that highlighted the complexity of such operations.
In a separate operation later that morning, at around 9:35 am, troops in Shendam Local Government Area, in collaboration with local residents, apprehended a suspected kidnapper in Gidan Mangoro village. The suspect is alleged to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred on April 3, 2026. The individual is now in custody and will face further investigation and legal action.
Plateau State, like many parts of northern Nigeria, has been grappling with a combination of armed banditry, insurgency, and kidnappings over the past decade. Communities in Wase, Shendam, and Qua’an Pan Local Government Areas have experienced attacks on residents, farmers, and travellers, often resulting in fatalities and abductions for ransom.
Efforts by the Nigerian military, alongside local vigilante groups, have become increasingly necessary due to the challenging terrain and the mobility of criminal gangs. Operations such as Enduring Peace and Wutan Daji are part of a broader national strategy to restore stability and protect lives and property.
The recent operations in Plateau demonstrate an intensified approach by security agencies, combining intelligence gathering, rapid response, and collaboration with local communities. Experts note that such coordinated efforts are critical in preventing the expansion of insurgent influence into new territories.
The Joint Task Force emphasized that the operations were carried out in strict adherence to rules of engagement and aimed at minimizing civilian casualties while targeting criminal elements.
Captain Oteh described the success of the missions as a testament to the professionalism of the Nigerian Army and the effectiveness of collaborative efforts with local vigilantes. “The partnership with local residents has proven invaluable, especially in areas where the military faces logistical challenges and requires timely intelligence,” he said.
He also reiterated that the arrested kidnapper is undergoing further investigation and assured the public that the security forces remain committed to dismantling kidnapping networks in the state.
Local vigilante groups have played a key role in supporting military operations. Residents often provide critical information about suspicious movements and potential hideouts, which allows the army to conduct targeted strikes against armed groups.
This collaboration has been credited with enhancing the effectiveness of security operations, ensuring that terrorists and kidnappers are apprehended quickly, and reducing the risk of civilian casualties.
Security forces have indicated that operations across Plateau State will continue until all remaining criminal hideouts and insurgent camps are neutralized. The Nigerian Army has pledged to sustain pressure on armed groups while maintaining close coordination with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and local communities.
The army’s ongoing presence in affected areas is aimed at providing reassurance to residents, deterring future attacks, and creating conditions for economic activities such as farming and trade to resume safely.
The recent operations have been met with cautious optimism by residents in Plateau State. Community leaders have expressed relief over the neutralization of terrorists and the arrest of the suspected kidnapper, but they emphasize the need for sustained security measures to prevent a resurgence of violence.
Many residents have called for improved infrastructure, regular patrols, and continued engagement between security agencies and local communities to ensure that the gains achieved are not lost.
The fight against terrorism and kidnapping in Plateau is part of a wider national challenge. Across northern Nigeria, armed groups exploit porous borders, dense forests, and limited local security presence to carry out attacks.
The Nigerian government has implemented several operations to tackle these threats, but analysts argue that success requires consistent intelligence, rapid military response, and strong community partnerships.
The recent operations in Plateau provide a model for how coordinated efforts can yield tangible results, demonstrating that sustained pressure on criminals and insurgents can restore a sense of safety and security to affected communities.
With the neutralization of terrorists, the dismantling of hideouts, and the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Plateau State’s security situation shows signs of improvement. However, authorities caution that the fight is far from over, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance, public cooperation, and proactive intelligence gathering.
As security forces maintain their presence in Wase, Qua’an Pan, Shendam, and surrounding areas, residents hope that such efforts will lead to lasting peace and stability, allowing communities to thrive without fear of