Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested 12 suspected criminals and recovered locally fabricated weapons and ammunition during separate operations across Plateau State.
The operations were conducted on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements in parts of the state.
According to a statement by the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Lamingo, raided suspected criminal hideouts in Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills.
The operation led to the arrest of 11 suspects believed to be linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating around Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
The military said two victims who were allegedly abducted from Gwafan Community on September 18 provided intelligence that assisted the operation.
During preliminary investigation, the victims reportedly identified three of the arrested suspects as members of the syndicate allegedly responsible for their abduction.
Weapons, Suspects Recovered in Bassa, Mangu
In a separate operation at about 6pm on Saturday, troops of Sector 3 deployed in Bassa Local Government Area conducted a cordon-and-search operation based on intelligence.
The operation resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of a locally fabricated rifle.
The troops are reportedly maintaining a presence in the area as efforts continue to apprehend other suspected members of the criminal group.
Similarly, troops of Sector 8 deployed in Mangu Local Government Area apprehended another suspected criminal during a confidence-building patrol along the Tul–Ntam–Angwan Mata–Deng-Deng axis.
The suspect allegedly attempted to conceal a weapon after sighting the troops.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of a locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a mobile phone.
The 12 suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation, according to the military.
The investigation is expected to assist security operatives in identifying other members of the suspected syndicates and facilitate further operations against fleeing suspects.
Commander Commends Troops, Urges Public Cooperation
The Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for what he described as their professionalism, dexterity and timely response during the operations.
Dangana directed the troops to sustain their operational momentum and continue efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.
He also acknowledged the support and cooperation of residents of Plateau State and other stakeholders.
The commander stressed the importance of timely and credible information from members of the public in tackling criminal activities and consolidating peace across the state.
He further assured residents of the continued commitment of Operation ENDURING PEACE to protecting lives and property while supporting ongoing peace and security efforts in Plateau State.
