Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force of the Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have successfully neutralized a notorious bandit operating in the Odare Forest at Dutsen Zaki in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Media Information Officer of the JTF OPEP, Maj. Samson Nantip Zhakom, who confirmed this is a statement on Wednesday, September 17th, said the troops also sophisticated weapons and ammunition during the intelligence-based ambush operation against bandits along routes leading to Odare Forest on Tuesday.

In the statement made available to DAILY POST, Maj. Zhakom said the operation was in continuation of efforts to deny bandits freedom of action in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

Zhakom stated that during the operation, the troops made contact with bandits who were mounted on motorcycles heading towards Odare Forest and neutralised one of the bandits, while others fled with severe gunshot wounds through the thick forest.

He added that the troops exploited the area and recovered one motorcycle, two mobile phones, one machete, and charms abandoned by the bandits, while the recovered items have been taken into custody for further action.

In another operational development, Maj. Zhakom said more 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 on 15 September, 2025, when the troops conducted offensive operations at a notable bandits crossing points in the general area.

He stressed that 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 OPEP spokesperson concluded that the recent onslaughts and bombardment of criminal elements, especially bandits in the JOA is part of the 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.

Troops of Joint Task Force OPEP neutralize notorious bandit, recover weapons in Plateau