Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested 12 suspected criminals and recovered illegal weapons during coordinated security operations across Plateau State.
The operations, carried out by troops deployed in different sectors of the Joint Task Force, targeted suspected criminal hideouts in Jos North, Bassa and Mangu local government areas following credible intelligence on the activities of kidnapping syndicates and other armed criminals.
Military authorities said the coordinated operations formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security, dismantle criminal networks and sustain the relative peace being enjoyed in parts of the state.
According to the military, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, based in Lamingo, launched an operation in the early hours of September 19 after receiving intelligence on suspected kidnappers operating around Rayfield and other communities in Jos North Local Government Area.
The troops raided identified hideouts at Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills, leading to the arrest of 11 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate.
The operation received a breakthrough after two victims who had been abducted from Gwafan community on September 18 were rescued. During preliminary investigations, the victims reportedly identified three of the arrested suspects as members of the group responsible for their abduction.
In another operation conducted at about 6 p.m. on the same day, troops of Sector 3 operating in Bassa Local Government Area carried out a cordon-and-search exercise based on credible intelligence.
The operation led to the recovery of one locally fabricated rifle and the arrest of another suspect. Troops have continued to dominate the area in an effort to track down other members of the criminal group.
Similarly, troops of Sector 8 on confidence-building patrol along the Tul-Ntam-Angwan Mata-Deng-Deng axis in Mangu Local Government Area arrested another suspected criminal near the Water Board area after he allegedly attempted to hide a weapon on sighting the troops.
A search of the suspect led to the recovery of one locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a mobile phone.
The military said all arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to uncover the activities of the criminal network and identify other fleeing members for possible arrest.
Commending the troops, the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, praised their commitment and professionalism during the operations.
He said, “The Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended troops for their professionalism, dexterity and timely response during the operations. He charged them to sustain the aggressive posture and maintain the momentum of the operation to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.”
The commander also acknowledged the support of residents and stakeholders in Plateau State, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.
According to him, “The Commander also appreciated the continued support and cooperation of the people of Plateau State and other relevant stakeholders.”
He further emphasized that, “The timely provision of credible information remains critical to the success of ongoing operations against criminal elements and efforts to consolidate the prevailing peace across the State.”
Major General Dangana reassured residents that Operation Enduring Peace would continue to work with other security agencies and community stakeholders to safeguard lives and property while consolidating peace and security across Plateau State.
Operation Enduring Peace is a Joint Task Force established to tackle insecurity, including kidnapping, armed violence and other criminal activities in Plateau State through intelligence-driven operations and sustained military presence in vulnerable communities.
