Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner, killed two terrorists and dismantled several terrorist camps during coordinated operations across three local government areas of Plateau State.
The operations, conducted in Mangu, Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment, fuel and other logistics allegedly used by criminal groups operating in the areas.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement, saying the operations were carried out by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) and the 33 Artillery Brigade based on credible intelligence.
In one of the operations, troops of the OPEP Special Tactical Team arrested a suspected gunrunner, identified as Adamu Adamu, popularly known as Jauro, at Gindiri Market in Mangu Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly arrested during an intelligence-led sting operation while allegedly terrorising the area.
One AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered from him.
The army said the suspect and the recovered items were currently in custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation on November 8, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade launched coordinated offensive operations at Dajin Madam Forest, which stretches across Kanam and Wase local government areas.
The operation targeted terrorist hideouts and camps believed to be used by criminal elements as operational bases and safe havens.
According to the army, the troops cleared several camps and destroyed structures used by the terrorists to sustain their activities.
The troops subsequently made contact with the fleeing terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Bloodstains were reportedly observed along their withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of the terrorists might have sustained injuries or been killed during the encounter.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, four mobile phones, two communication radios and four motorcycles.
The troops also recovered two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), assorted camouflage uniforms and other items believed to have been used by the criminal elements.
The army said the troops later encountered another group of terrorists near Kukawa Village, where two of the armed men were neutralised.
Additional motorcycles were recovered during the encounter.
The military described the operations as part of its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt their supply chains and deny them access to weapons, logistics and safe havens.
It said the operations underscored the army’s intelligence-driven approach to tackling insecurity and its determination to maintain pressure on terrorists and other criminal groups operating in Plateau State.
The army also reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with local communities and other security agencies to restore peace, protect lives and property and safeguard national security.