The Nigerian military has killed three suspected terrorists and disrupted a coordinated movement of armed men on motorcycles in Plateau State, while also arresting two individuals posing as security personnel amid heightened operations in the region, ENigeria Newspaper has learnt.
The operation, carried out in Karem community of Wase Local Government Area, followed increased troop deployment after recent attacks in the state that left dozens dead and several others injured. Military authorities said the intervention prevented what appeared to be a large-scale movement of insurgents.
In a statement issued by the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, and signed by its Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarb Oteh, troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat under pressure. The military confirmed that three of the suspects were neutralised during the encounter.
The statement further noted that the improved response was driven by the deployment of additional forces, including a battalion and specialised counter-terrorism units, following directives from the Chief of Army Staff.
In a separate development, troops arrested two individuals impersonating security operatives in Dutse Uku area of Jos North Local Government Area. The suspects, reportedly dressed in black tactical gear, were said to be actively involved in acts of violence, including the burning of residential buildings.
“Those arrested are currently in custody, while two persons who sustained gunshot wounds were moved by troops to a medical facility for treatment and are in stable condition. 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.
The military added that the reinforcement of troops has significantly strengthened security operations across volatile areas in the state, describing the intervention as a major turning point in ongoing efforts to restore order.
“In the light of these developments, 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 stated.
Recall that ENigeria Newpaper reported that gunmen carried out a deadly assault on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday. They arrived on motorcycles and wore military-style outfits, as a youth leader has revealed, and described the incident as swift, coordinated and deceptive.
“Our attackers came on bikes in military-style attire,” Comrade Samson Chiroma said while recounting the Sunday night attack during the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang’s visit to the area.
According to locals, the attackers opened fire randomly, killing at least 27 individuals and causing mayhem in the neighborhood. Another eyewitness, told journalists that the attackers took advantage of the initial uncertainty among the residents by moving from house to house.
The President had gone ahead to Plateau State to victims and families affected by the deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba community, assuring residents that his administration is determined to end the cycle of violence in the state.
Addressing families of victims of the massacre, Tinubu said, “There is nothing I can give you, whether money in billions, but console you and promise you that this experience will not repeat itself. I know the pain and agony in your heart. But it’s only God who can give you joy and comfort.”
“No amount of money can pay all of you back. Yes, as a government, we will try our best to comfort you, to work with you. The best solution is for Jos to be Jos, the one that people like us grew up to know.”
Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, assuring that sustained operations are underway to ensure lasting peace and stability across Plateau State.
