Troops kill 10 terrorists, recover arms in Plateau
• Eight killed in fresh Plateau attack Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, have killed no fewer than 10 suspected terrorists and recovered arms and
• Eight killed in fresh Plateau attack
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, have killed no fewer than 10 suspected terrorists and recovered arms and logistics supplies during coordinated clearance operations in Plateau State.
The military disclosed that the operations were carried out across Daba and Seri villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas as part of the ongoing offensive codenamed Operation WUTAN DAJI, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring security in the region.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops established strategic blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and the Odare Forest at about 8:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026.
During the operation, a large group of armed men on motorcycles was reportedly sighted along a known transit route. The troops engaged the suspects in a gun battle, deploying what was described as superior and coordinated firepower.
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“Despite initial resistance, the terrorists were overwhelmed, leading to the neutralization of 10 of them, while others fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
In a related development, troops also responded to reports of an attack on commuters along the Razat–Kafi Abu axis. Upon arrival, the attackers reportedly retreated into nearby hinterlands, prompting a pursuit operation by security forces.
Subsequently, troops conducted cordon-and-search operations across Suma Suga and Takwok villages, including surrounding mountainous areas, to track down the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operations led to the recovery of several items believed to belong to the suspects, including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two motorcycles, and five 25-litre jerry cans filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), suspected to be intended for logistics support.
Other items recovered include a national identity card and a photograph, which security officials say could aid ongoing investigations.
The Joint Task Force noted that the operation marks a significant step in degrading the operational capacity of armed groups in the area, adding that troops remain on high alert and are intensifying efforts to track down fleeing suspects and their collaborators.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining clearance operations across identified flashpoints to ensure the safety of lives and property in Plateau State.
Eight killed in fresh Plateau attack
Gunmen stormed Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State late Thursday night, killing no fewer than eight persons in a sporadic shooting that lasted close to an hour.
The Nation gathered that most of the victims were members of the same family.
The attack occurred around 11pm when the assailants invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately on residents, leaving about three persons injured while some community members were still missing at press time.
Those confirmed dead include Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.
The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos Local Government Area, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said the attack has created tension in the community.
“The community is very close to Bokkos town."
"The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers,” he alleged.
Mallai added that locals were angry over the failure of security operatives to protect them and were planning to protest.
He further alleged that security forces did not respond despite the proximity to the area, adding that personnel were currently deployed to protect a specific community suspected by natives of Bokkos to be the origin of the attackers.
Christopher Luka, Youth Leader of Bokkos, also confirmed the incident, describing it as “a sad and devastating assault on the people of Bokkos and Plateau State as a whole.”
“The gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. We have eight confirmed dead, some seriously injured, and others still unaccounted for,” Luka said.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Plateau State Police Command spokesman, DSP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report
