Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - Troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) during the conduct of ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD have continued to record significant operational successes against criminal elements across Kaduna and Plateau States, neutralising kidnappers, rescuing abducted victims, and foiling attempted attacks in a series of coordinated operations conducted between 11 and 13 December 2025.
Media Information Officer, JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE,
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, December
15, 2025.
"On 11
December 2025, troops of Sector 5 (Sub-Sector 4) conducted an offensive
clearance operation at identified kidnappers’ hideouts in Dangoma and Godogodo
villages, Jema’a Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, following
persistent kidnapping incidents in the area,” the statement read.
During the
operation, troops made contact with the criminals and exchanged fire. In the
ensuing engagement, three notorious kidnappers were neutralised. Other members
of the criminal gang fled the scene with gunshot wounds. Efforts are ongoing to
capture the fleeing suspects.
Similarly,
on 12 December 2025, troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 1) carried out a successful
covert operation targeting a notorious bandit, kidnapper, and gunrunner who was
responsible for several cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal
activities within Bassa and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State. The suspect was
intercepted along the Jebbu – Gada Biu road in Bassa LGA.
Upon
sighting the troops, the criminal opened fire but was swiftly neutralised by
the troops. Items recovered from the suspect include one pistol, 9 rounds of 9
mm ammunition, one dagger, one mobile phone, and a large sum of money, all of
which are in custody.
Additionally,
on 13 December 2025, troops swiftly responded to intelligence on an impending
attack at Gidan-Saki Village, Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The prompt
response by own troops forced the criminals to abandon their mission and
withdraw into the surrounding bushes. Troops are deploying necessary means to
apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In another
related operation on the same date, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Jengre in
Plateau State, conducted an ambush operation following the kidnapping of four
persons at Rimi Village, Jere District, Bassa LGA.
The troops
laid a well-coordinated ambush along the bandits’ withdrawal route. Upon
contact, a fire fight ensued, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the kidnapped
victims and flee.
During the
encounter, one kidnapper was neutralised, while all 4 victims were rescued
alive. Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 13 rounds of
7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.
The rescued
victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families, while
efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the fleeing criminals.
JTF
Operation ENDURING PEACE remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal
elements and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across
the joint operations area.
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