By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have recorded major operational successes against criminal elements in Kaduna and Plateau states, neutralising kidnappers, rescuing abducted victims and foiling planned attacks during ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the task force said troops of Sector 5 (Sub-Sector 4) carried out an offensive clearance operation on suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Dangoma and Godogodo villages, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to the statement, the operation followed persistent kidnapping incidents in the area. Troops engaged the criminals in a gun battle, during which three notorious kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently pursuing the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, on December 12, 2025, troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 1) conducted a covert operation targeting a notorious bandit, kidnapper and gunrunner responsible for multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Bassa and Jos North local government areas of Plateau State. The suspect was intercepted along the Jebbu–Gada Biu road in Bassa LGA and was neutralised after opening fire on the troops.
Items recovered from the suspect included a pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dagger, a mobile phone and a large sum of money.
The task force further disclosed that on December 13, 2025, troops swiftly responded to intelligence on a planned attack at Gidan-Saki Village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The prompt response forced the criminals to abandon their mission and retreat into nearby bushes, with troops intensifying efforts to apprehend them.
In another operation on the same day, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Jengre in Plateau State successfully rescued four kidnapped persons at Rimi Village, Jere District, Bassa LGA. Acting on intelligence, the troops laid an ambush along the kidnappers’ escape route. A firefight ensued, leading to the neutralisation of one kidnapper, while the abducted victims were rescued unharmed.
Recovered during the operation were one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. The rescued victims were subsequently debriefed and reunited with their families.
JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across its area of responsibility.
