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By Faheem Lawal
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised six terrorists, arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered three locally fabricated rifles as well as a stolen Nigerian Army service rifle during a series of operations across Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau State.
According to the Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the most dramatic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 2, 2026, at about 12:10 a.m., when suspected terrorists breached the perimeter of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos South, under the cover of darkness and opened fire on troops on sentry duty.
The troops swiftly engaged the attackers, neutralising one of them while others fled with gunshot wounds. No casualties were recorded among the troops. Recovered from the neutralised attacker was an AK-pattern rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Preliminary checks confirmed that the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier encounter with unidentified militia elements at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.
In an earlier operation on June 26, 2026, troops of Sector 6 conducted an operation at Gero Highground in Jos South, where terrorists opened fire on approaching troops while using livestock as a shield.
The troops held their position, called for reinforcements and, on their arrival, pursued the fleeing terrorists, neutralising some while others escaped.
On the same day, troops of Sector 5 deployed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle conveying two passengers from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area.
On sighting the troops at a checkpoint, the two passengers abandoned a bag and fled into the bush. A search of the bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles. The motorcycle rider was arrested and is currently in custody undergoing investigation.
On June 30, 2026, troops acting on intelligence reports of terrorists massing within the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountains in Jos South successfully ambushed and neutralised five terrorists, while others fled.
Community members reportedly confirmed that some of those killed had been on the command’s wanted list for orchestrating attacks in Jos South and Bassa local government areas.
Troops have since intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and pursuit activities around NIPSS Kuru and adjoining communities to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Operation Enduring Peace reiterated its commitment to securing lives and property and restoring lasting peace across Plateau State, urging members of the public to remain calm and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
