Troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE have recorded significant operational successes in Plateau State, arresting suspected impostors involved in arson in Jos North Local Government Area and neutralizing terrorists in Wase Local Government Area following fresh counter-terrorism deployment.
According to a statement issued by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the breakthrough came late Thursday during a targeted operation in Dutse Uku, Jos North.
The statement read:
“In a significant breakthrough aimed at restoring the desired peace in Plateau State, troops of Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE achieved remarkable success in the late hours of Thursday during a targeted operation at Dutse Uku in Jos North Local Government Area.”
The troops, acting on intelligence, responded to reports of sporadic gunfire around the Dutse Uku area at about 11:45 pm.
“At approximately 11:45 pm, vigilant troops responding to a distress call on sporadic shooting at Dutse Uku general area intercepted and apprehended 2 individuals masquerading as security operatives,” the statement noted.
The suspects, dressed in black tactical uniforms, were reportedly caught while setting residential buildings ablaze and inciting violence within the community.
“These impostors, dressed in tactical black uniforms, were caught actively participating in the arson of residential properties and the orchestration of violence within the Community.”
The military confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody, while two individuals who sustained gunshot injuries during the incident were evacuated by troops to a medical facility and are now stable.
“Those arrested are currently in custody while 2 persons who sustained gun shot wound were moved by troops to a medical facility for attention and they are in a stable condition.”
The arrest, according to the task force, contradicts allegations that security personnel were involved in recent unrest.
“This pivotal arrest serves as a direct rebuttal to recent allegations suggesting military complicity in the Jos North unrest, effectively proving that the atrocities previously attributed to official personnel are being committed by criminal elements using deceptive attire to sow discord and defame the Armed Forces.”
The operation extended to Karem in Wase Local Government Area, where troops intercepted suspected terrorists moving in large numbers on motorcycles.
“The momentum of this success extended into Karem in Wase Local Government Area, where high-alert troops successfully disrupted a large-scale movement of terrorists traveling via motorcycles.”
The military engaged the suspects in combat, forcing them to retreat.
“Upon being engaged by the military, the insurgents fled under the pressure of sustained combat. In the engagement, 3 of the terrorists were successfully neutralized.”
The success followed the deployment of additional counter-terrorism forces ordered earlier by the Nigerian Army leadership.
“This surge in operational efficiency follows the strategic deployment of a battalion plus specialized counter-terrorism troops, an initiative ordered by the Chief of Army Staff on Thursday morning.”
The military described the reinforcement as a turning point in efforts to stabilize volatile areas.
“The immediate impact of these additional boots on the ground has acted as a decisive game-changer, bolstering the State’s security architecture and restoring proactive control over volatile zones.”
The task force warned that criminal elements operating within the state would face decisive action.
“In the light of these developments, all hoodlums, insurgents, and criminal syndicates currently operating within the State will be ruthlessly dealt with, as the military remains resolute in its mission to eliminate all threats to public peace.”
The military also called on residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing security operations.
“The general public is kindly requested to maintain a high level of situational awareness and support the ongoing efforts by reporting any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest authorities.”
It reaffirmed commitment to restoring lasting peace across Plateau State.
“Through continued cooperation and the current strategic offensive, the military remains committed to ensuring the permanent restoration of safety and order for all citizens.”
The operation marks one of the first major successes following the renewed counter-terrorism push in Plateau State, signaling intensified efforts by security forces to curb violence and restore normalcy in affected communities.