Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), in conjunction with local vigilante groups, successfully neutralized a significant number of terrorists during a coordinated clearance operation across Daba and Seri villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Spokesperson of OPEP, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said in a statement that the operation, which dealt “a decisive blow against terrorist elements operating on the Plateau,” was “conducted as part of ongoing offensive clearance operations codenamed Operation WUTAN DAJI, and underscores the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring security along identified terrorists’ corridors.”
The statement noted: “Accordingly, at about 08:30am, 9 April, 2026, troops established strategic blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and the Odare Forest. During the operation, a large group of terrorists mounted on motorcycles were sighted moving along a known transit route, troops swiftly and decisively engaged the criminals with superior and well-coordinated volume of fire.
“Despite initial resistance, the terrorists were overwhelmed with superior firepower leading to the neutralization of 10 terrorists while some fled in disarray into the surrounding forest, leaving behind a trail of casualties.
“In a similar development, following a report of an isolated attack on commuters along road Razat and Kafi Abu axis, the gallant troops initiated a swift and comprehensive offensive targeting the criminal elements responsible for the disturbance. Upon the initial encounter, the perpetrators withdrew into the surrounding hinterlands, prompting an immediate pursuit by security forces into the general area to ensure the restoration of peace and security. In a series of coordinated manoeuvre, troops conducted rigorous cordon and search operations across Suma Suga and Takwok villages, as well as the adjacent mountainous terrain.
“These tactical efforts yielded significant recoveries of lethal hardware and intelligence materials abandoned by the fleeing terrorist elements. Among the items recovered were 3 AK-47 rifles, 3 AK-47 magazines, and 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 2 motorcycles and 5 x 25-litre jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for the terrorists’ logistics. Additionally, troops also recovered a National Identity Card and a photograph belonging to the suspects, providing valuable leads to ongoing investigations.
“This successful engagement marks a significant step in degrading the operational capacity of armed groups within the region. Troops are on high alert and are currently in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and their collaborators. Operation ENDURING PEACE will continue to intensify the ongoing clearance operations as troops dominates various identified flashpoints in order to guarantee the safety of lives and property of citizens.”
