Nigerian Army kill suspected bandit, recover arms and ammunition in Plateau

Thursday, September 18, 2025 - Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have neutralised a bandit and recovered weapons and ammunition in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

Major Sampson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer, JTF OPEP, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, September 17, 2025

“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,” the statement read.

"During the operation, troops 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 points in the general area.

"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 criminals’ elements are completely neutralized 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.”