Troops of the 3 Division and personnel of Operation ENDURING PEACE of the Nigerian Army have intercepted an armed militia group reportedly mobilised to launch attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. The successful operation was carried out on Thursday following a credible distress call.
According to a statement by Samson Nantip Zhakom, a major and Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (JTF), troops responded swiftly to intelligence about the movement of armed militias towards Fann District. The soldiers laid a tactical ambush at Kaskra in Ropp District, leading to the arrest of one suspect in possession of weapons and ammunition..
He noted that the apprehended militia was found with one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. “Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect was mobilised from a nearby community specifically to target residents of Nding Village in Barkin Ladi LGA”.
Zhakom stated that the arrested individual is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation with hope to gather actionable intelligence from the suspect to facilitate further operations aimed at neutralising additional threats.
He further disclosed that troops have intensified search and interception operations in surrounding communities to apprehend other armed elements involved in the planned attacks, saying efforts were also ongoing to recover more weapons from the fleeing militias.
The JTF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to restoring and maintaining peace in the troubled region. The statement emphasized that the military remains resolute in ensuring the safety of lives and property within its Joint Operations Area.
The spokesman urged citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information that can aid in security operations. The military also assured the public of its dedication to dismantling all networks threatening peace and stability in Plateau State.
