Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Hideout in Plateau, Kill Suspects, Recover Weapons

Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Enduring Peace, have raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Plateau State, killing suspects and recovering arms during an intelligence-led operation.

The raid was carried out on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at a location near Lantom Village in the Kadarko District of Wase Local Government Area, as part of efforts to curb kidnapping and armed robbery in the area.

In a statement, the Acting Military Information Officer of the JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Joshua Atu John, said the operation led to the initial arrest of four suspects and the recovery of weapons, including a locally fabricated rifle, an axe, and a machete.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in recent criminal activities within the district,” Captain John stated, adding that two other accomplices escaped during the operation with an AK-47 rifle.

According to him, the arrested suspects later cooperated with troops and disclosed the location of a concealed arms cache on the outskirts of Kadarko.

“However, while leading troops to the location, the suspects attempted to overpower a soldier and seize his weapon in a desperate bid to escape,” he said. “They were decisively neutralised.”

Captain John added that follow-up operations were ongoing to track down the fleeing gang members and recover the missing rifle.

Commenting on the operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Major General EF Oyinlola, commended the troops for their professionalism and gallantry.

“I commend our troops for their resilience and commitment to sustaining peace within the Joint Operations Area,” Oyinlola said. “We remain resolute in carrying out our lawful mandate to safeguard lives and property.”

The GOC also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies, stressing the importance of timely and credible intelligence.

“The support of law-abiding citizens remains indispensable to the success of our ongoing operations,” he added.