Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have foiled a planned bandit attack on communities in Plateau State, killing five suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation in Wase Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, was part of ongoing security efforts aimed at protecting lives and property in Plateau and surrounding states. Military sources said the successful action followed credible intelligence that bandits were preparing to launch attacks on nearby communities.
According to a military source, troops from the 3 Division Nigerian Army were alerted to the movement of armed bandits who were mobilising from forest areas to attack villages in Wase Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, the soldiers moved swiftly and laid an ambush along the Dutsen Zaki–Odare Forest axis, a known route often used by criminal groups operating in the area.
“During the encounter, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, neutralising five bandits, while others fled with possible gunshot wounds,” the source said.
The source added that the quick response by the troops prevented the bandits from reaching nearby communities, where residents were likely to have been attacked.
After the encounter, soldiers recovered several items believed to belong to the bandits. These included two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, as well as two machetes and a knife.
Military officials said the recovered weapons further confirmed that the bandits were prepared to carry out violent attacks.
The area is currently being searched by troops, who are also pursuing the fleeing bandits to stop them from regrouping or launching further attacks.
Operation Enduring Peace is a joint security initiative involving the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. It was set up to address security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence in Plateau State and neighbouring areas.
The operation has been active in several local government areas, especially those close to forests and border communities that are often targeted by armed groups.
Security officials say intelligence-led operations, such as the one carried out in Wase, are key to stopping attacks before they happen and reducing harm to civilians.
Plateau State has faced security challenges for many years, including bandit attacks, kidnappings, and communal clashes. Some rural communities, especially in southern and central parts of the state, have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups who take advantage of difficult terrain and forest cover.
Wase Local Government Area, where the latest operation took place, is one of the areas affected by bandit activity. The presence of forests and its location near other troubled regions have made it a target for criminal elements.
In recent months, the federal and state governments have stepped up security operations in Plateau, deploying more troops and improving cooperation between the military, police, and local vigilante groups.
The military source reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies under Operation Enduring Peace to continue offensive operations against bandits and other criminal groups.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining offensive operations to ensure lasting peace in Plateau State and neighbouring areas,” the source said.
He added that troops would continue to rely on intelligence from residents and other sources to prevent attacks and keep communities safe.
Residents are often the first to notice suspicious movements or strange activities in their areas. When such information is shared promptly with security agencies, it can help prevent attacks and save lives.
The military has repeatedly called on members of the public to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities and avoiding collaboration with criminals.
Although no official statement has been released by the Plateau State Government as of the time of this report, residents of nearby communities expressed relief over the action taken by the troops.
Some locals said the presence of soldiers in the area has improved confidence and reduced fear, especially in villages that have experienced attacks in the past.
Community leaders have also praised the military for acting before the bandits could strike, calling for sustained patrols and continued engagement with locals.
Banditry remains a major security challenge in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions. Armed groups often carry out attacks on villages, kidnap residents, and disrupt farming and trade.
The federal government has repeatedly stated its commitment to ending banditry through military operations, improved intelligence, and support for affected communities.
Recent operations across different states have led to the arrest or killing of several bandit leaders and the recovery of weapons. However, security experts say sustained efforts are needed to fully restore peace.
With the latest operation in Wase, security agencies say they will continue to maintain pressure on bandits and deny them freedom of movement.
Troops are still on ground, monitoring the area and surrounding forests to ensure that the fleeing bandits do not return.