Troops Kill 10 Terrorists, Rescue Kidnap Victims In Plateau Forest

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised ten terrorists and rescued several kidnapped victims during a clearance operation that dismantled criminal camps in Daji Madam Forest, between Daba and Seri villages of Plateau State.

The development follows recent exchange of gunfire between terrorists and soldiers leading to the death of some soldiers and vigilantes in Wanka community of Keram district of Kanam LGA of the state.

In a coordinated operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, troops targeted identified criminal enclaves at Dogo Ruwa and Bogwas inside the forest, leading to the neutralisation of 10 bandits and recovery of guns, ammunition, and other operational items belonging to the bandits.

Confirming the incident, spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, described the operation as a “successful and decisive blow against terrorists.”

Captain Oteh explained that the operation, which was conducted in conjunction with vigilantes in the area, rescued some kidnapped victims.

“The operation, conducted as part of ongoing offensive clearance operations codenamed Operation WUTAN DAJI, underscores the military’s commitment to restoring security along identified terrorists’ corridors.

“Accordingly, at about 08:30am, 9 April, 2026, troops established strategic blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and the Odare Forest. During the operation, a large group of terrorists mounted on motorcycles were sighted moving along a known transit route, and troops swiftly and decisively engaged the criminals with superior and well-coordinated volume of fire,” the spokesperson said.

According to the Operation, despite resistance, the terrorists were overwhelmed, leading to the “neutralisation of 10 terrorists while some fled in disarray into the surrounding forest, leaving behind a trail of casualties.”

Captain Oteh further disclosed that following a report of an isolated attack on commuters along road Razat and Kafi Abu axis, “the galant troops initiated a swift and comprehensive offensive, targeting the criminal elements responsible for the disturbance.

“Upon the initial encounter, the perpetrators withdrew into the surrounding hinterlands, prompting an immediate pursuit by security forces into the general area to ensure the restoration of peace and security.

“In a series of coordinated manoeuvre, troops conducted rigorous cordon and search operations across Suma Suga and Takwok villages, as well as the adjacent mountainous terrain.

“These tactical efforts yielded significant recoveries of lethal hardware and intelligence materials abandoned by the fleeing terrorist elements.

“Among the items recovered were 3 AK-47 rifles, 3 AK-47 magazines, and 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 2 motorcycles and 5 x 25-litre jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for the terrorists’ logistics.

“Additionally, troops also recovered a National Identity Card and a photograph belonging to the suspects, providing valuable leads to ongoing investigations,” he added.

Meanwhile, residents of the affected areas confirmed the success of Thursday night’s operation.

A resident of Wase, Jamilu Musa, told Daily Trust that troops carried out a raid in the area, saying, “We are pleased with this development because the terrorists have been a serious setback to us. They kill people at will and snatch their belongings.”

Another resident of the area, Garba Suleman, confirmed the operation to our correspondent, saying several bandits were killed during the raid. He commended the troops for sustaining security operations in the area

“Kanam and Wase had been terrorised by bandits for a long time. Now, people in the communities can go about their normal activities without fear. We have been thinking of how to go to farm this season. It is a relief for us,” he said

Our correspondent reports that many residents have been expressing concern about the activities of the bandits and kidnappers, which resulted in the displacement of hundreds of people in the areas.
(Daily trust)