OPEP troops neutralise two terrorists, arrest kidnap suspect in Plateau

Troops of the Joint Task Force of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Enduring Peace, OPEP, operating under the mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, have successfully neutralised two suspected terrorists, arrested a kidnap suspect, and dismantled criminal hideouts in a series of coordinated clearance operations across Plateau State.

Media Information Officer of OPEP, Captain Polycarp Oteh, who confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, said the intelligence-led operations which were conducted on April 4, 2026, specifically targeted insurgent routes in Wase Local Government Area with particular concentration around Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages in the Dutsen Zaki forest.

The OPEP spokesman said the troops, working alongside local vigilantes in the areas of operation, engaged armed groups in a gun battle along the Babangida–Adua road, resulting in the death of two suspects, while others fled with gunshot injuries.

“A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of arms and ammunition, including a locally fabricated firearm and several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition,” he said.

In another operation, the OPEP media officer states that on April 5, troops in the Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area intercepted four suspected terrorists following intelligence on suspicious movements.

“The suspects were found with 100 rounds of ammunition. However, during efforts to locate their hideout, troops came under heavy attack from other armed men. Amid the exchange, three of the arrested suspects were killed by gunfire during the confrontation, while operations continued in the area.

“Meanwhile, in Shendam Local Government Area, troops in collaboration with residents arrested a suspected kidnapper in Gidan Mangoro village. The suspect is believed to be linked to a recent abduction in the community and is currently in custody,” the statement said.