Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have recorded fresh operational successes against criminal groups in Kaduna and Plateau states, neutralising suspected kidnappers, rescuing abducted victims, and preventing planned attacks.
The operations were carried out under the ongoing Operation Peace Shield between December 11 and December 13, 2025.
This is contained in a statement signed by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer, JTF Operation Enduring Peace, on December 15, 2025.
According to the task force, troops acting on intelligence launched multiple coordinated operations across affected communities where cases of kidnapping and armed attacks had been reported.
Giving details, the military said: “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 added that troops engaged the criminals during the operation.
“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 gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest them.
In a related operation on December 12, troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 1) carried out a covert mission in Plateau State targeting a notorious bandit, kidnapper, and gunrunner linked to several crimes in Bassa and Jos North local government areas.
The suspect was intercepted along the Jebbu-Gada Biu road in Bassa local government.
The military said the suspect opened fire on sighting the troops but was quickly neutralised.
Items recovered include one pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, one dagger, one mobile phone, and a large sum of money, all now in military custody.
On December 13, troops also responded swiftly to intelligence about a planned attack at Gidan-Saki village in Zangon Kataf local government of Kaduna State.
The quick response forced the suspected criminals to abandon the plan and flee into nearby bushes. Troops are continuing efforts to arrest them.
In another operation on the same day in Plateau State, troops deployed at Jengre laid an ambush following the kidnapping of four persons at Rimi village, Jere District, Bassa local government. A firefight ensued, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the victims and escape.
One kidnapper was neutralised, while all four victims were rescued alive.
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families.
The task force reaffirmed that JTF Operation Enduring Peace remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens across the joint operations area.
Troops neutralise kidnappers, rescue victims in Kaduna, Plateau
