Troops of Sector 2 of Operation OPEP have raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Nahuta Village, Kadarko District in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, neutralising a notorious kidnapper during the operation.
A security source told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the raid was carried out on Tuesday night, Jan. 27, at about 8:30 p.m., following actionable intelligence.
According to the source, the troops came under fire from the criminals on arrival at the hideout but responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee in disarray.
“In the process, one bandit was neutralised. He was later confirmed to be a notorious kidnapper identified as Mr Timchak Zindang, who had been terrorising the general area,” the source said.
Items recovered from the scene included two locally fabricated rifles, eight cartridges, three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one desert camouflage uniform.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the criminal syndicate was responsible for several criminal activities, including kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed robbery along the Wase–Bashir road and its environs.
The source added that efforts were ongoing to track down the other fleeing members of the gang, while further investigation into the network was in progress.