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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, under the special mandate of Operation Wutan Daji, have neutralized 2 suspected terrorists and dismantled several criminal hideouts during a series of intensive clearance operations in Wase Local Government Area.
The coordinated mission, which was carried out on 4 April 2026, in partnership with local vigilantes, targeted known insurgent corridors across the Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the expansive Dutsen Zaki forest.
While traversing the Babangida–Adua road, the joint force engaged in a fierce firefight with a group of armed terrorists.
A statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, said the superior firepower of the troops resulted in the immediate neutralization of 2 suspects, while several others retreated into the dense forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Following the encounter, a thorough search of the area yielded a significant recovery of arms and ammunition. These included one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass,” the statement said.
It said that in a separate tactical engagements aimed at curbing the flow of illegal arms and neutralizing kidnapping syndicates within the State, at the early hours of Sunday, 5 April 2026, at approximately 7:45am, troops stationed in the Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area acted on credible intelligence regarding the suspicious movement of armed individuals.
“The rapid mobilization of the unit led to the successful interception of 4 suspected terrorists. Upon a thorough search, the suspects were found to be in possession of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
”Following the initial arrests, troops moved to locate and dismantle the suspects’ hideout and during this manoeuvres, the unit came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. Amidst the ensuing chaos, 3 of the 4 apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were subsequently neutralized by the adversary’s own gunfire.
”In a simultaneous development at about 9:35am, troops in Shendam Local Government Area collaborated with local residents to apprehend a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The individual is alleged to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on 3 April 2026. Suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and legal action.
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