Dare Babalola
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have neutralised two suspected armed gunmen during a coordinated ambush operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday evening in the Marit general area near Doruwa Babuje, followed credible intelligence on the movement of criminal elements accused of terrorising local communities.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the troops acted swiftly upon sighting the suspects.
“Upon sighting the criminals, troops sprang a successful ambush on the marauders. In the ensuing firefight, two armed gunmen were neutralised, while several others fled into the surrounding bushes under the cover of darkness,” the statement read.
Oteh noted that the operation was launched at about 7:49 p.m. after intelligence reports indicated the movement of the armed group, known for violent attacks, sexual assault, and armed robbery in the area.
Following the encounter, troops conducted a search of the vicinity and recovered weapons and other items.
“During a search of the immediate area, troops recovered one locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a cutlass, a jackknife, and a mobile phone,” he stated.
The statement added that security personnel have maintained a strong presence in the affected communities to prevent further attacks and ensure residents’ safety.
“Troops remain firmly in position within the general areas of Marit and Lajam villages to ensure the continued safety of residents, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing criminal elements,” Oteh said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation ENDURING PEACE to protecting lives and property, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“Operation ENDURING PEACE remains committed to its mandate of protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens and urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the nearest security formation,” the statement added.
