Troops kill bandit, recover weapons in Plateau ambush — Report

Troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have killed a bandit during an ambush in Odare Forest, Dutsen Zaki, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Spokesman for the task force, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the intelligence-led operation took place on September 16.

Zhakom explained that troops intercepted bandits on motorcycles heading into the forest, killing one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

According to him, troops recovered a motorcycle, two mobile phones, a machete, and charms abandoned by the fleeing bandits.

Zhakom added that in another operation on September 15, soldiers launched an offensive against bandits at crossing points around Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa villages in Wase and Kanam LGAs. The troops reportedly overpowered the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.

He said, “In continuation of efforts to deny bandits freedom of action in the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) staged an intelligence-based ambush operation against bandits along routes leading to Odare Forest at Dutsen Zaki in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State on 16 September 2025.

“On 16th September, troops in Plateau state made contact with bandits mounted on motorcycles heading towards Odare Forest and neutralised one of the bandits, while others fled with severe gunshot wounds through the thick forest. Troops exploited the area and recovered one motorcycle, 2 mobile phones, one machete, and charms abandoned by the bandits. The recovered items are in custody for further action.

“In another operational development, success was recorded following credible intelligence on the activities of bandits around Garga, Showaka, Yuli and Kukawa Villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State. Notably, on 15 September 2025, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE conducted offensive operations at a notable bandit crossing point in the general area.”

Items recovered included a G3 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

He noted that the recent onslaughts form part of the military’s resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and bring them to justice.

“During the operation, troops came in contact and dealt decisively with elements of bandits through superior firepower and professionalism, leading to the bandits fleeing in disarray.

“Consequently, troops exploited the general area and recovered one G3 rifle, one G3 magazine and 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO). The recovered weapon and ammunition are in custody while troops ensured that the bandits and criminal elements are completely neutralised and denied any freedom of operation.

“The recent onslaughts and bombardment of criminal elements, especially bandits in the JOA, is part of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE’s resolve and mandate to troops to continually neutralise armed criminals and bring perpetrators of crimes to justice,” the statement said.

Recall that on Saturday, troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation ACCORD III, in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces, killed a notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachala, who was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a gang operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.

Similarly, the Nigerian Army killed notorious bandit leader Kachalla Balla and five of his men in Kogi State.

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