Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have foiled a planned attack by armed bandits in Plateau State, killing a notorious terrorist kingpin and recovering weapons.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of December 25, followed credible intelligence indicating that bandits were mobilising to attack a neighbouring community. Acting on this information, troops stormed Gwande community in Monguna District of Bokkos Local Government Area.
According to a statement by Samson Zhakom, Information Officer of the operation, the troops intercepted the bandits and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee.
During the exchange, one bandit was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds. Troops recovered a locally fabricated revolver rifle, a locally made pistol, nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and six cartridges at the scene.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the neutralised bandit was a member of a notorious syndicate responsible for attacks in Gwande and surrounding communities.
The military said efforts have been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across Plateau State. Residents were urged to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, while criminal elements were warned to desist from illegal activities or face decisive action.
TheCable.ng
