Plateau Raids: Troops Kill Terror Suspects, Recover Ammunition in Wase, Qua’an Pan

Plateau Raids: Troops Kill Terror Suspects, Recover Ammunition in Wase, Qua’an Pan

By Musa Garba, Jos

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, operating under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, have intensified security operations in Plateau State, killing suspected terrorists, recovering ammunition and dismantling criminal hideouts in coordinated raids across Wase, Qua’an Pan and Shendam local government areas.

The latest operations were disclosed in a press statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, on April 6, 2026.

According to the military, one of the major offensives took place on April 4 in Wase Local Government Area, where troops, working alongside local vigilantes, launched clearance operations around Babangida, Adua and Bokayi villages in the Dutsen Zaki forest, an area identified as a corridor for armed groups.

The statement said the joint team came under attack while advancing along the Babangida–Adua road, triggering a gun battle with suspected terrorists.

“The superior firepower of the troops resulted in the immediate neutralisation of two suspects, while several others retreated into the dense forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

After the encounter, troops reportedly combed the area and recovered one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a cutlass.

In a separate operation on Sunday, April 5, troops stationed in Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area acted on intelligence about the movement of armed men suspected to be involved in illegal arms trafficking and kidnapping activities.

The military said the troops moved swiftly and intercepted four suspected terrorists at about 7:45 a.m., adding that a search on the suspects led to the recovery of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

According to the statement, troops later moved to locate and destroy the suspects’ hideout but came under heavy gunfire from armed men believed to be their associates.

The military said the situation became chaotic during the exchange, and three of the four arrested suspects, who allegedly attempted to escape, were killed in the crossfire.

The statement claimed they were hit by gunfire from their fleeing accomplices.

In another operation carried out the same day, troops in Shendam Local Government Area, in collaboration with residents, arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village around 9:35 a.m.

The suspect is believed to be connected to a kidnapping incident reported in the community on April 3, according to the military.

Security officials said the suspect is currently in custody and will face further investigation and possible prosecution.

The military described the operations as part of a broader push to weaken armed groups and restore stability in Plateau communities affected by violent attacks, kidnapping and illegal arms movement.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible intelligence to help sustain the gains recorded in the ongoing operations.