According to sources familiar with the incident, the raid targeted the bandits, as well as their informants who were believed to have betrayed the community. This development comes in the wake of a recent attack by bandits on a market in Zurak Campani, resulting in the tragic death of seven individuals.
Shafi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, confirmed the operation, highlighting that it was a combined effort involving the DSS, police, and vigilante groups. The operation was meticulously planned and executed, with the security forces tracking the bandits to their hideout and launching a coordinated assault while they were holding a meeting.
“The incident occurred around 11 a.m. while they were holding a meeting in the area. It was a coordinated effort by police, DSS, and vigilantes from Wase and neighboring communities of Taraba state,” stated Sambo.
Abdullahi Usman, another youth leader, echoed similar sentiments, affirming that the bandits were targeted following the recent market attack. He noted that credible information led the security forces to confront the bandits at their location, resulting in the successful elimination of the criminals and their accomplices.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered, and SMS messages were left unresponded to at the time of reporting.
The operation underscores the ongoing commitment of security agencies and local vigilante groups to combatting criminal activities and restoring peace and security in Plateau state.