Soldiers kill two terrorists, arrest suspected gunrunner

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner, killed two suspected terrorists and dismantled several camps during separate operations in Mangu, Kanam and Wase local government areas of Plateau State.

The operations, conducted by troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) and the 33 Artillery Brigade, also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistics allegedly used by criminal groups.

In a statement, the military said troops of the OPEP Special Tactical Team arrested Adamu Adamu, also known as Jauro, during an intelligence-led operation at Gindiri Market in Mangu Local Government Area.

The suspect gunrunner was reportedly arrested with an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The military said the suspect and the recovered items were in custody for further investigation.

In a separate operation on 8 November, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade launched coordinated offensives against suspected terrorist hideouts in Dajin Madam Forest, which spans Kanam and Wase local government areas.

According to the statement, the troops cleared several camps and destroyed structures the armed groups used to sustain their activities in the forest.

The troops subsequently engaged the suspected terrorists, forcing them to retreat under pressure from the advancing soldiers.

The military said bloodstains were observed along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of them might have been wounded or killed during the encounter.

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A 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, four motorcycles, two drums of petrol, camouflage uniforms and other items.

In a subsequent encounter near Kukawa village, the troops killed two suspected terrorists and recovered additional motorcycles.

The military said the operations were part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt their logistics and deny them access to safe havens in Plateau State.

It added that the army would continue offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with local communities and other security agencies to address insecurity and protect lives and property.