Troops from the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace killed a bandit during an ambush in Odare Forest, Dutsen Zaki, Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the task force’s spokesman, stated on Wednesday that the intelligence-led action occurred on September 16.
Zhakom explained that troops intercepted bandits on motorcycles heading into the forest and killed one, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
According to him, the army discovered a motorcycle, two mobile phones, a knife, and charms left by the fleeing criminals.
Zhakom further stated that on September 15, soldiers started an offensive against bandits at crossing locations in Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas. The troops apparently defeated the robbers with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.
He said, “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.
“On 16th September, troops in Plateau State made contact with bandits mounted on motorcycles heading towards Odare Forest and neutralized 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 the 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 point in the general area.”
Items recovered included a G3 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
He mentioned that the recent onslaughts form part of the military’s resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and bring them to justice.
“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 criminal elements were completely neutralized and denied any freedom of operation.
“The recent onslaughts and bombardment of criminal elements, especially bandits in the JOA, are part of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE’s resolve and mandate to troops to continually neutralize armed criminals and bring perpetrators of crimes to justice,” the statement said.
