Some soldiers and local vigilantes have been killed during a gun battle with suspected terrorists while conducting clearance operations in parts of Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Friday during operations by troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas of the state. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to flush out terrorist elements operating around the volatile border areas linking Plateau, Bauchi, and Taraba states.
Sources said troops encountered armed terrorists during the clearance mission in communities including Dadda, Wanka, Kyaram, Dungur, and Kukawa villages in the Garga district of Kanam LGA. The troops reportedly engaged the attackers in a fierce gunfight.
According to a source familiar with the operation, the troops inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists and destroyed several of their enclaves and logistical bases in the affected communities. The operation also significantly weakened the operational capacity of the armed group in the area.
However, the source confirmed that the operation recorded casualties on the side of the security forces, with some soldiers and vigilantes losing their lives during the encounter.
The source also dismissed viral reports claiming that the bodies of fallen soldiers were mutilated, describing the reports as false and misleading.
“Contrary to speculations, none of our deceased soldiers were beheaded or amputated as contained in some viral blogs,” the source said, adding that the troops would continue the operation until the area is fully secured.
Despite the losses, the operation has been described as largely successful, with residents reportedly expressing satisfaction over the progress made by the troops since the commencement of the clearance exercise.
The security operation is part of broader efforts by the military to tackle the resurgence of terrorist and bandit activities across parts of Plateau State and neighboring regions.